NOAA Officially Designates Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

In a historic move, the federal government has established a new national marine sanctuary off the Central California coast, marking the first time such a sanctuary will be led by an Indigenous tribe.

Over 4,500 square miles of ocean have now been designated as the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, making it the third largest in the United States.

The establishment of the sanctuary represents a significant achievement for the Northern Chumash Tribe, who have spent more than a decade advocating for the protection of their ancestral coastline. This rugged stretch of the coast, from San Luis Obispo to Gaviota, will now be co-managed by local tribes and Indigenous groups, providing them an unprecedented opportunity to influence decisions about their historical lands and waters.

Violet Sage Walker, chairwoman of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council and a leading figure in the campaign, highlighted the importance of this initiative. “We’re still here, and so are the Indigenous people wherever you live,” Walker stated. She added that addressing climate change, utilizing traditional ecological knowledge, and participating in co-management are critical ways Indigenous peoples can help sustain the planet.

“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,” Walker stated.

Despite the sanctuary being smaller than initially proposed due to compromises with the burgeoning offshore wind industry, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says it still provides crucial protections.

Offshore drilling, undersea mining, and certain other activities will be prohibited, although fishing will still be allowed. NOAA also plans a possible future expansion of the sanctuary and emphasizes the importance of public outreach and continuous monitoring of environmental impacts.

The sanctuary aims to be a gateway for public understanding and advocacy for ocean conservation. “People will protect what they love, and they won’t love it unless they understand it,” noted Paul Michel, NOAA’s regional policy coordinator for the West Coast Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

For Violet Sage Walker, the sanctuary fulfills her father Fred Collins’ lifelong dream—he first nominated the area for sanctuary status back in 2015. The proposal stalled under the Trump administration, and Collins passed away before seeing his vision realized. “That’s all my dad ever wanted, that people would know that we are the stewards of this land,” Walker reflected.

The new Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary comes at a critical time as local ecosystems and communities face increasing challenges from climate change and industrial development. Congressman Salud Carbajal, representing the area, emphasized the sanctuary’s timely creation, hoping it will serve as a model for balancing environmental protection with the needs of sustainable development.

“The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary has been a twinkle in the eye of the Central Coast for more than a generation. Today, that long-held idea of creating a marine sanctuary off the Central Coast finally becomes reality with the final federal step in the process officially submitted by the Biden-Harris Administration,” said Rep. Carbajal

Renewable energy developments, particularly offshore wind projects, will occur outside the sanctuary’s current boundaries, with provisions made for future adjustments to accommodate essential infrastructure. Erin Lieberman from Invenergy believes that these arrangements allow eco-friendly projects to progress while respecting sensitive natural resources.

As the sanctuary begins its journey, NOAA and the involved Indigenous groups will focus on building trust and understanding, crucial for successful co-management.

This approach reflects a broader shift under the Biden administration towards involving tribes more substantially in managing natural resources—a step forward in repairing relationships with Indigenous communities across the nation.