Waterfront Tourism Plan to Be Unveiled

Hoping to give Channel Islands Harbor an economic boost, county officials today will unveil a plan to draw more tourists to the struggling waterfront community.

Officials said a key part of the plan is strong promotion of “floating labs.” Under the plan, boats would take children into the harbor and offer an introduction to marine biology with microscopes and other tools, officials said.

Officials also want to hire an activities coordinator to increase tourism, and are mulling over ways to emulate Dana Point Marina in Orange County, which offers kayak activities, sailing and other sports.

“The Channel Islands Harbor is one of the beauties of the county,” county Supervisors John K. Flynn and Susan Lacey said in a letter to colleagues. They said, however, that efforts are needed “to regain an economic footing in the Harbor.”

Officials said the harbor issue will come before supervisors Tuesday.