The Port of San Diego has honored two local nonprofits with its first Anchors of Excellence Awards.

The port said in a press release that at each monthly meeting, its board of commissioners will recognize community partners who positively impact communities around San Diego Bay.

Port Chair Danielle Moore presented the first awards on Jan. 14, 2025, to Youth Climate Advisors and Clean Coast Collaborative.

Both organizations were recognized for raising awareness about the Tijuana River Valley pollution crisis, an issue for which the port has declared a local emergency.

“The Port of San Diego is proud to highlight the positive impacts made by local community members, businesses and nonprofit organizations like Youth Climate Advisors and Clean Coast Collaborative,” said Danielle Moore, chair on the port’s board of commissioners.

“Congratulations to Youth Climate Advisors and Clean Coast Collaborative. Your efforts raising awareness and searching for solutions to the Tijuana River Valley pollution crisis are a perfect example of the exemplary work being done in our communities,” added Moore.

Youth Climate Advisors is a youth-led organization partnered with the Airborne Institute. It promotes learning between an interdisciplinary group of scientists and youth impacted by the climate crisis in the Imperial Beach Border Region.

The Clean Coast Collaborative is a youth-led and founded organization that empowers young people to combat water pollution in the South Bay.

“This award is a testament to what’s possible when young people rise to confront environmental challenges head-on,” said Luis Galvan of Clean Coast Collaborative.

The port has welcomed nominations for awards. Submitted nominations will be considered in terms of their alignment with port values and geographic diversity to ensure representation from all five port member cities (Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego).