The Biden Administration has taken a significant step in ocean conservation by designating 4,543 square miles of California’s central coast as the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.
The designation, announced on Friday, marks America’s 17th national marine sanctuary and the third largest in the National Marine Sanctuary System.
Stretching along 116 miles of coastline from San Luis Obispo County to Santa Barbara County, the sanctuary aims to protect a diverse range of marine life and ecosystems, including kelp forests, rocky reefs, and sandy beaches. It also recognizes and celebrates the area’s historical and cultural significance to Indigenous peoples, particularly the Chumash.
“This historic Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary designation… will help provide critical environmental protections and allow tribal and Indigenous community management of the new sanctuary,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
The sanctuary’s creation aligns with President Biden’s America the Beautiful Initiative, which aims to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. With this latest addition, the administration has now protected over 45 million acres.
Notably, the sanctuary’s boundaries have been carefully delineated to accommodate future clean energy infrastructure. Areas for potential subsea electrical transmission cables and offshore wind energy facilities have been excluded, demonstrating a balance between conservation efforts and renewable energy goals.
The designation is the culmination of a decade-long effort involving Tribes, community leaders, and government officials. Violet Sage Walker, chairwoman of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, which nominated the sanctuary in 2015, expressed the significance of this recognition for her community and its commitment to environmental stewardship.
The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is set to take effect in December 2024, following a 45-day continuous session of the U.S. Congress. This designation not only marks a significant achievement in marine conservation but also represents a step forward in recognizing and integrating Indigenous knowledge and stewardship in environmental management.
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