Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Designated

The Biden-Harris administration has announced the creation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, covering 4,543 square miles along California's central coast, making it the third largest in the U.S. and the first to be led by Indigenous people. This initiative, part of the America the Beautiful campaign, seeks to protect 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 while enhancing ecological preservation and Indigenous stewardship. The sanctuary will be co-managed by the Northern Chumash Tribe, who have advocated for its designation for over a decade, and aims to safeguard marine biodiversity, including kelp forests and historical shipwrecks. While the sanctuary excludes areas designated for offshore wind energy projects, NOAA plans to consider future expansions once necessary infrastructure is in place. Tribal leaders emphasize the importance of this recognition as a step towards addressing the historical disadvantages faced by Native Americans. The sanctuary represents a collaborative effort between federal and local entities to merge ecological conservation with Indigenous rights and knowledge.