Fishing off OC remains closed for testing    
By Heather McRea

This week in Coast Lines: A variety of fish are being tested for oil contamination after the spill early this month off Huntington Beach, a process that could keep local waters closed to fishing or harvesting shellfish into next month.

Plus, so far this year, the Port of Los Angeles is moving 26% more cargo than a year ago, which was already at all-time-highs, and the inventor of the Boogie Board has died.

Here’s what’s happening along the Southern California coast.

Local fish markets hope testing period is quick

Their business model is fresh, local catch so when the oil spill off Huntington Beach early this month closed fishing it broke the supply chain for fish markets.

They've been making due with fish from other sources, so word that testing started Oct. 13 to reopen local fisheries was good news. Though it could take two to four weeks.

"And we’re not going to fish until we know. If we indeed care so much about our product, why would we dare sell something we are not 100% sure is in perfect condition for our clients to eat," said Terese Pearson, who runs Pearson’s Port in the Newport Back Bay with her family. "We are anxious for so many reasons to get the toxicity levels checked, to get that information back – it means everything, in every way."
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And, keep up with all of our oil spill coverage here.

Busy port gets busier 

September was another record-breaking month for the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest September in its 114 years. Not really a surprise after months of cargo records that are adding to a supply-chain quagmire throughout the system.

Port of L.A. Executive Director Gene Seroka said progress is being made on the rail backlog at the ports; it’s been cut in half over the past month and by two-thirds over the last two months. And the federal government is focused on getting operations moving 24/7 as the holidays loom.

“We’ve got more work to do but we’ve made significant progress,” Seroka said.

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Remembering Tom Morey

With his invention of the Boogie Board, Tom Morey opened up wave riding to age groups and skill levels that might never have experienced the thrill.

"He probably brought more people to ride waves than any other single person in the history of surfing. That’s a huge accomplishment," Surf historian Jim Kempton said. "He was a pioneer in so many areas."

Morey died last week at the age of 86.
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What else?

In light of energy shortfalls, the gas-fired Redondo Beach power plant run by AES will be allowed to keep operating through 2023, regulators decide.  
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Belmont Shore opts for a one-day Winter Village as pandemic concerns again cancel its popular parade.
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The eight-day Newport Beach Film Festival opens tonight with a movie based on the life of Vans co-founder, Paul Van Doren, who helped create the Costa Mesa-based action sports brand.
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In the ocean

Laguna Beach's coast is 7 miles of protected marine habitat and the Laguna Bluebelt photo contest is dedicated to showcasing its beauty. More than 60 photographers submitted entries this year, we've got the winners.
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