Oil spill

[Salty]

So I've been trying to keep track of the local fishery closure due to the oil spill to find dates or estimates for when it might be reopened. While information is sometimes scattered, it seems the CDFW's Twitter page has the most accessible information:
https://twitter.com/californiadfw?lang=en

Also, the CDFW has a dedicated Spill Response twitter account as well:
https://twitter.com/CalSpillWatch

Here's the map of the currently closed fishery(last amendment on 10-7-21):
https://socalspillresponse-com-jtti....2_10.07.21.pdf

This is the latest update I could find from the CDFW:
"Fisheries Closure Update: Onshore seafood sampling underway & offshore testing to start within 2 weeks. Data will be used to evaluate seafood safety for fisheries in areas affected by the spill. The CDFW director will reopen upon recommendation by @OEHHA"

For info the Seafood Sampling process, here's the link they shared:
https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads...acts031115.pdf

Unfortunately, the only bit of info pertaining to a timeline for reopening our fishery is this sentence: "Because PAH levels in mollusks may not reach their highest level for some weeks after a spill, testing is usually repeated until it is clear that PAH levels are stable or declining. When PAH levels are below the “level of concern” and no longer increasing, then OEHHA will recommend that a fishery be re-opened."

This "Some weeks" timeframe would explain why they are just starting the testing process "within 2 weeks" of the 10/16. They're not clear on exactly when the sampling and testing would begin or how long it might take. Someone asked for an ETA on the reopening on the Twitter post on 10/18 and that post is still unanswered as of today.

I'm no expert in oil-spill seafood sampling/testing nor am I an expert in government processes. I just wanted to share the info I had found regarding this issue. If anyone with any additional knowledge has any insights or nuggets of information to share, I'm sure I'm not the only one that would like to hear them. Like all of us, I just want to know when I can get back out there to wet some lines or drop some hoops.

[JohnMckroidJr]

Wow, that is a huge chunk of the ocean they closed down. Seems disproportionate to the Sth of the incident? Can't close the port areas?... too much at stake there? I hope the bureaucracy works fast on this one.

[jruiz]

I'm here camping at San elijo for the weekend and finding tar along the beach. We had 6ft high tide that receded to a 0ft low and it left tar right where the bluff met the sand

[Salty]

Originally Posted by jruiz

I'm here camping at San elijo for the weekend and finding tar along the beach. We had 6ft high tide that receded to a 0ft low and it left tar right where the bluff met the sand

Looks like it's on the move to the South... I surfed Oceanside today and there were clean up crews sifting through the sand on the beach. Didn't see anything myself, but they are definitely looking.

[Salty]

Originally Posted by JohnMckroidJr

Wow, that is a huge chunk of the ocean they closed down. Seems disproportionate to the Sth of the incident? Can't close the port areas?... too much at stake there? I hope the bureaucracy works fast on this one.

Ports/harbors were all closed to all marine traffic for several days after the incident. Beaches were closed for all activates. That has since been lifted in most areas, but the fishery closures are still in effect "for some time"(whatever that means...). I understand the reasoning behind the closure, but that doesn't make it suck any less!

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by Salty

Ports/harbors were all closed to all marine traffic for several days after the incident.

I think what you meant to say is closed to recreational activities. A fleet of vessels is normally deployed to clean up the mess. I would be very surprised if they stopped the business of the ports. The whole thing sucks. let's hope they can get it back to normal quickly.

[Salty]

Originally Posted by JohnMckroidJr

I think what you meant to say is closed to recreational activities. A fleet of vessels is normally deployed to clean up the mess. I would be very surprised if they stopped the business of the ports. The whole thing sucks. let's hope they can get it back to normal quickly.

Sort of. I believe it was more like essential traffic only. Newport and Dana Point harbors both had their entire entrances sealed with pollution prevention floats/booms for several days following the spill(see pic). Assuming they would only move those out of the way for a select few vessels. I don't know if Long Beach was closed at any point though. And you are also correct that there were cleanup vessels deployed! The California Responder spill response vessel was spotted working the coastline for quite some time.

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by Salty

Sort of. I believe it was more like essential traffic only. Newport and Dana Point harbors both had their entire entrances sealed with pollution prevention floats/booms for several days following the spill(see pic). Assuming they would only move those out of the way for a select few vessels. I don't know if Long Beach was closed at any point though. And you are also correct that there were cleanup vessels deployed! The California Responder spill response vessel was spotted working the coastline for quite some time.

Good to know. MSRC has vessels are on standby around the united states for clean-up activities. A result of the Exxon Valdez incident. I am surprised the Pacific Responder was not sent down from SF to help? A recent Satelite photo indicates they have a good amount to go.