area, but staging operations would increase the treat to marsh and 

 estuary habitat at Ballona Creek. Expansion of oil operations at 

 El Segundo would also threaten the entire area if a spill were to 

 occur from unloading tankers or damaged oil tanks. 



Palos Verdes Penisula Coastline is rich in sea birds, sea mammals, 

 and invertebrates. The area's coves and beaches also serve as a spawn- 

 ing ground for the grunion, Leuresthes tenuis . The California Depart- 

 ment of Fish and Game is operating a kelp re-establishment program in 

 the area's Abalone Cove. 



The Palos Verdes Peninsula is subject to environmental damage from 

 urbanization, from sewage flows, and from oil spills from the harbor 

 area. The addition of OCS-related onshore industry would increase the 

 possibility of oil spills. Present water quality degradation has 

 already resulted in fin-rot disease in local fishes. The Coastal Plan 

 singled out numerous sites in the area as "special marine environment, 

 wetlands or estuaries" and recommended 482 acres for purchase. 



Ventura County 



Ventura County's mainland has 41 miles of coastline, consisting 

 of 38 miles of sandy beach and 3 miles of rocky shores. The coastal 

 terrestrial habitat has been greatly altered in the Oxnard plain due 

 to heavy urbanization and farming. Almost 99% of the county's shore- 

 line is sandy beach, and 61% (23 miles) is open to the public and 

 heavily used during the summer. This intensive use limits use by 

 wildlife. Consequently, greater effort must be made to protect and 



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