Press Release
Contact Information:
Rylan Gervase, Director of Legislative & External Affairs
415-961-9088
rylan.gervase@bcdc.ca.gov
August 21, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Commission approves a public sea level rise education program and new development rules to revitalize San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf.
Commission, Exploratorium, and Port of San Francisco will establish a public sea level rise education program along the San Francisco Waterfront.
SAN FRANCISCO — Today, the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) voted to approve a free public sea level rise education program proposed by the Port of San Francisco and the Exploratorium, which will partner to provide the program.
The Sea Level Rise Public Education Initiative will help Bay Area residents learn the causes of sea level rise, how it affects the Bay now, how it is forecasted to affect the Bay shoreline and upland locations, and how the public can get involved in creating real world solutions—using examples from the Exploratorium’s own location on the vulnerable San Francisco waterfront. The initiative will feature free exhibits along the waterfront, plus field trips and workshops for local students and teachers.
“Bay Area residents overwhelmingly agree that climate change is a critical issue,” said BCDC Chair Zack Wasserman. “This education program will help everyone understand how urgently we need to take action. If we don’t act fast enough, the Bay Area economy faces more than $230 billion in damage to property, critical infrastructure, and valuable natural habitat by 2050 from rising sea levels.”
“This initiative is a meaningful opportunity to help people understand their role in addressing rising sea levels,” said Exploratorium Executive Director and CEO Lindsay Bierman. “By empowering current and future generations with knowledge and practical tools, we can build a stronger, more resilient future for our communities.”
Exploratorium teacher Lori Lambertson leads an interactive king tides discussion with SFUSD students along the Embarcadero. (Photo courtesy of the Exploratorium)
Commission votes for more flexible development rules to revitalize San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf.
The commission also voted to allow more flexible types of development at Fisherman’s Wharf, the stretch of San Francisco waterfront under the Port of San Francisco’s jurisdiction running from Hyde St. Pier to Pier 39. The vote eliminated outdated rules that limited the Port’s ability to attract investment and rehabilitate the existing Piers at Fisherman’s Wharf, including a long-standing policy that limited the types of uses on replacement piers and required replacement piers to dedicate half their area to public access and open space. As a result, the Port will have more flexibility in how piers are redesigned to enhance public access, address seismic risk, and provide resilience to rising sea levels. BCDC rules still require maximum feasible public access consistent with any project on the piers that the Port of San Francisco proposes.
Historic F Line streetcar arriving at Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco. (Photo via Flickr/Mike Roqué)
“A vibrant, 21st century waterfront is a key part of our city’s economy,” said San Francisco Supervisor and BCDC Commissioner Matt Dorsey. “This exciting new chapter for the waterfront preserves public access, provides new opportunities for sea level rise education, and allows for flexibility to reimagine Fisherman’s Wharf”
“Fisherman’s Wharf’s aging infrastructure and facilities are in urgent need of investment,” said Port of San Francisco Executive Director Elaine Forbes. “The Port supports the new rules which will enable more flexible development to support a resilient Fisherman’s Wharf and working waterfront.”
Historic F Line streetcar arriving at Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco. (Photo via Flickr/Mike Roqué)
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About the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission:
BCDC is a California state agency dedicated to the protection, enhancement and responsible use of the San Francisco Bay. BCDC protects and enhances San Francisco Bay and advances the Bay’s responsible, productive, and equitable uses for this and future generations as we face a changing climate and rising sea levels.
About the Exploratorium:
The Exploratorium is a portal to the astonishing scientific phenomena that animate our world and shape our actions. We create extraordinary learning experiences that ignite curiosity, upend perceptions, and inspire brave leaps forward. Since 1969, the Exploratorium’s museum in San Francisco has been home to a renowned collection of exhibits that draw together science, art, and human perception, and that have changed the way science is taught. Our award-winning programs provide a forum for the public to engage with artists, scientists, policymakers, educators, and tinkerers to explore the world around them. We celebrate diversity of thought, inspired investigation, and collaboration across all boundaries.
About the Port of San Francisco:
The Port of San Francisco manages 7.5 miles of waterfront that is home to popular destinations and attractions, historic districts, small businesses and robust maritime opportunities. The Port works to advance environmentally and financially sustainable maritime, recreational, and economic opportunities for the City, Bay Area, and California.