Thread by @latimes

The miles-wide oil slick from the spill reported Saturday off Huntington Beach had already befouled beaches and estuaries just to the north.

Now it was drifting off one of the most treasured stretches of the California coast – the coves of Laguna Beach.

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The quintessence of California’s shoreline is its stark variety, from the gentle beaches of Coronado to the sea stacks of the North Coast. Laguna is one of the inarguable wonders.

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While only small bits of oil had washed onto several beaches in the area so far, officials warned the shifting currents could still push thicker parts of the slick ashore. It could be devastating for some of the richest marine ecosystems in the state.

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Scientists say the rocky topography underwater and in the tidal zone of Laguna create microhabitats for hundreds of creatures.

But it is that very complexity that would be extremely difficult to clean if it were fouled by oil.

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The 13 miles of coast falls into four marine protected areas, which has allowed all sorts of sea and shorebird life to flourish from the deep kelp forests to the tide pools and sand.

One of the key species making a comeback: the California spiny lobster.

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As with the rest of the coast, the oil spill is a threat to the economy as well.

Millions of visitors flood the streets in summer to swim, play and see the art festivals, packing expensive restaurants and hotels.

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Even if the area dodges a disaster, the specter of future ones persists because these ancient habitats remain so close to sprawling oil infrastructure and one of the busiest shipping channels in the world.

Read more from @joemozingo at latimes.com/california/sto…