According to Harbormaster John Higgins the Ventura Harbor entrance (closed because of high sand build –up) could reopen shortly if dredging can be performed to remove the sand build-up. The Harbor entrance was closed Jan.22 which meant that the tall ships had to be moved to the Channel Islands Harbor. Dredging equipment will hopefully be arriving in the next few days and if weather permits will start dredging work.
Both the fishing industry and merchants were hurt financially by the closure. Fishing boats couldn’t go out to fish and the Harbor merchants were hurt when the tall ships had to leave. The ships bring a large amount of people to the Harbor visit the ships.
Financial assistance might become available for the losses suffered.
