Harbor commission endorses pursuit of permits to augment King Harbor's existing artificial reef

The Redondo Beach Harbor Commission voted to endorse a commissioner-led effort to pursue state permit approvals to augment an existing artificial reef about a mile offshore of King Harbor.

Commissioner Roger proposed that the commission add endorsing language to a packet of existing scientific endorsements and that he would pursue contacts with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the State Water Board and other agencies to obtain the necessary approvals. Commissioners voted in favor by voice vote; the meeting record indicates one commissioner announced an abstention.

The proposal targets an existing artificial-reef site created decades ago from pier pilings, quarry rock and concrete dock floats. The proponent argued that adding clean, inert three-dimensional material such as pier pilings or quarry rock to that existing footprint could increase fish habitat and create a nearby, accessible dive and fishing site while keeping materials out of landfills.

The proponent said he had consulted Dan Panadella of Occidental College and the Southern California Marine Institute, who conducts long-term fish counts in King Harbor, and that biologists and local dive operators had expressed support. He showed photos of the existing reef, which staff described as flattened in places and partially buried in sand, and compared it to more three-dimensional reefs off other Southern California harbors.

Commissioners asked questions about permitting, marine and maritime laws governing dumping and the practicality of scuttling cleaned vessels. Staff and the proponent cautioned that permits are required, that material type and placement must meet state and federal rules, and that the effort will require coordination with Fish and Wildlife and other permitting agencies.

The motion did not request funding. The commissioner seeking endorsement said he would pursue the permitting process and return with any formal requests if city resources or a municipal permit were required. The commission's endorsement will add its name to the list of local endorsers the commissioner said he will present to state agencies.

The commission's ordinary public-comment procedures were observed before the vote; no written e-comments or Zoom speakers addressed the item during the record of the vote.

The endorsement directs the commissioner to continue outreach; subsequent steps will include contacting the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for guidance on a blanket or project-specific permit, clarifying any State Lands Commission or federal requirements, and determining material-handling logistics and environmental-review needs. No permits were issued or funds appropriated at the meeting.

The endorsement gives the proponent formal local support to begin navigating agency approvals and clarifies that the idea has commission backing while remaining contingent on state and federal permits.