Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
CENTRAL COAST, CA – On October 11th, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary by President Biden. The Biden-Harris Administration and NOAA’s official announcement will be made at today’s press announcement event and ceremony recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day.
The new marine sanctuary extends just over 4,500 square miles offshore of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties on the Central Coast of California, protecting the waters from oil and gas drilling and mining while implementing Tribal Collaborative Management and a local community advisory council. The Chumash Sanctuary is the first Tribally-nominated national marine sanctuary in the United States and received support from environmental organizations and state and federal leaders.
In August 2023, NOAA issued the draft sanctuary proposal for public comment period which returned more than 110,000 comments and 99% in support. In September, a Final Environmental Impact Statement supported the designation of the marine sanctuary. This week’s announcement was accompanied by the final regulations and management plan.
The announcement is the final step in the designation process for the marine sanctuary. The designation will be published in the Federal Register October 16. After 45-days of Congressional session, the new sanctuary will become effective.
In response, Gianna Patchen, Sierra Club’s Santa Lucia Chapter Coordinator, released the following statement:
“This announcement represents the fruition of over four decades of work by Tribes and communities to protect these coastlines, habitat areas, and sacred sites. The Central California Coast has a rich cultural, environmental, and biodiversity legacy. The designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary ensures that legacy will be preserved for generations to come.”
Violet Sage Walker, Chairwoman, Northern Chumash Tribal Council said: “Each step we’ve taken in this determined campaign to fulfill the dream of my late father, Chief Fred Collins, has been sweeter and more poignant. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all who have helped bring to life the vision of a Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. We are almost there and the significance of our collective effort will make history, begin to heal centuries of wounds to our People, and bring all of us closer together.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.