Mission Statement
![Aerial Photo of the Santa Cruz Harbor entrance channel](https://streamline.imgix.net/2ff672e8-d932-4586-8feb-cb6ccbf0b837/43bf3c0a-14d2-414f-a14c-54662f984af7/Mission3.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=fa2a9dded436f4facbc962cb51aa2557)
The primary mission of the Santa Cruz Port Commission is to ensure that Santa Cruz Harbor is a viable operational and financial entity, providing a full array of boating and marine related opportunities for the public.
The Port Commission has adopted the following goals:
![Photo of visiting commercial fishing fleet seeking refuge in the Santa Cruz Harbor due to weather conditions, May 2021](https://streamline.imgix.net/2ff672e8-d932-4586-8feb-cb6ccbf0b837/b7ab8a6b-3a41-4117-87f9-89bd8797dbb9/Mission4.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=620515fab82a2b104d5c8b247f29e9a0)
- Maintain the harbor and harbor entrance to design depths and in the safest condition practical.
- Maintain the facility at a high level of serviceability in regard to function, modernism, longevity, aesthetics and cleanliness.
- Provide for an expansive array of affordable, accessible and available marine facilities and services for the boating public.
- Meet all current and long-term Port District financial responsibilities.
- Contain costs and keep prices as low as practical while still meeting all other financial and operational objectives.
- Operate the harbor as a regional facility in accordance with the three 1958 federal legislative mandates — “recreation,” “commercial fishing,” “harbor of refuge.”
- Provide for a variety of businesses as a community resource to be enjoyed by all citizens.
- Provide and encourage marine educational opportunities in the harbor for all, especially school children.
- Provide marine rescue services in conjunction with other agencies to the degree which funds and safety considerations allow.
- Comply with all environmental and regulatory laws which apply to Santa Cruz Harbor operations.
- Participate in the management and stewardship of surrounding watersheds with particular emphasis on erosion control and water quality.
- Provide timely information to the public relating to Port Commission public meetings and actions.
Adopted by the Santa Cruz Port Commission on 01/25/05