Task Force to Consider Removal of Breakwater

A grass-roots movement to topple the Long Beach Breakwater took a step forward Thursday when the environmentally active Surfrider Foundation formed a task force to consider turning the 2 1/2-mile barrier into an artificial reef.

Such a move would restore surf and enhance tourism along the city’s coastline, while protecting the fish that have made a habitat of the 47-year-old breakwater, said Gordon LaBedz, chairman of the foundation’s task force on water pollution.

But the fledgling movement could face opposition from Port of Long Beach officials and representatives of the Army Corps of Engineers, which constructed the barrier to shield ships anchored at the port and the recently closed Long Beach Naval Station. They say removing the barrier could rock incoming barges, allow erosion of city beaches and endanger oceanfront property.

LaBedz acknowledged that many studies must be done before his group would begin soliciting funds to scatter the giant rocks that make up the breakwater. “Before we did anything we would have to really look at the environmental impacts of these types of issues,” LaBedz said.

He said that Surfrider members also plan to discuss it with Long Beach’s boating, diving and fishing communities, as well as city and port officials.