Commission Approves Nation's Largest Kelp Farm, Braces for Historic El Niño

The California Coastal Commission convened in Eureka for a marathon September session that stretched across aquaculture, climate preparedness, and a deeply emotional fight over beach driving traditions on Humboldt County's coast. The Commission greenlit what would become the largest offshore kelp cultivation facility in the United States, received a stark warning from the state climatologist about an incoming Super El Niño, and brokered a last-minute compromise on vehicle access at Centerville Beach.

• Nation's largest offshore kelp farm approved off Ventura with phased 10-year buildout, whale entanglement safeguards, and fisheries mitigation fund

• State climatologist warns El Niño is in "uncharted territory" with sea levels already 8 inches above predicted and one-foot rise expected this winter

• Centerville Beach road armoring approved but vehicles banned from beach unless county develops future management plan; amendment passes 9-1

• Two budget trailer bill attacks on the Coastal Act defeated in final days of legislative session during Commission's 50th anniversary year

• Cambria water facility appeal dismissed after 12-year permitting saga, clearing path for drought resilience project

• $5.3M monitoring budget approved for Carlsbad desalination mitigation as enforcement investigation continues