The Channel is the location of numerous oil fields , some of which have substantial reserves . These include the Ellwood , Summerland , Carpinteria offshore and Dos Cuadras fields . In 1969 , the Dos Cuadras was the point of origin of a major oil spill , which came about when oil spurted at high pressure through faults and cracks around a zone which had recently been drilled for the first time . Public outrage over the massive environmental damage inflicted by this spill , which covered hundreds of square miles of the channel and fouled beaches from Ventura to Goleta , was a major spur to the budding environmental movement . Some oil exploration and production activities continue in the area , in spite of vigorous opposition from local organizations , such as Santa Barbara-based '' Get Oil Out '' ( GOO )
oil spill
1969 Santa Barbara oil spill
Santa Barbara Channel