What you need to know

From August X until October X the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is hosting a public comment period for the designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary – a 7000 square-mile territory off the coast of California. This territory has been fought over for decades and we now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to protect it forever. Here’s why this window of opportunity is crucial:

• The Chumash marine sanctuary has been fought for over three decades and is home to the Chumash peoples – rightful stewards of coastal territory since time immemorial.

• This marine sanctuary would safeguard a biodiversity hotspot and propel the United States toward its goal of protecting 30% of its waters.

• Our best chance of securing this sanctuary forever is for designation to occur prior to next year’s federal elections.

• A public comment submission is worth thousands of petition signatures.

Right now, the NOAA is hosting a 60-day comment period that ends Oct XY, 2023, where the public can share comments of support that will help shape the final sanctuary designation before official designation in 2024.

The Campaign: Explained

The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is the ancestral home to the Northern Chumash people who have been stewards of its coastal territory since time immemorial. It is also considered a biodiveristy "hotspot" being home to over 25 threatened and endangered species such as the leatherback sea turtle and humpack whale. Within the sanctuary also lies one of the largest remaining kelp forests on the entire coast —California's kelp forests have diminished by over 90%.

The map below illustrates the scale of the marine territory and how much would be under the strongest forms of marine protection.

This amount of protection would cover feeding grounds for numerous species of whales and dolphins, sea otter populations, kelp forests, and vital fisheries. It would also provide additional resiliency for marine ecosystems in the face of climate change, warming oceans, losses in marine biodiversity, and impacts to communities, culture, traditions, and economies. 

At a moment when California has lost more than 90 percent of its kelp to warming waters, and a recent oil spill has wreaked havoc on marine life, safeguarding these ecosystems is critical for the future of coastal communities.

Above all, the sanctuary represents reconciliation with Indigenous communities through Indigenous-led conservation and land management.

The biggest threat to this sanctuary is time. Next year's election could introduce a new administration, which could erase decades of progress. Adding your comment will help push the needle on getting this marine sanctuary across the finish line. Let's work together to secure this victory for indigenous-led conservation, forever.