The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is currently considering designating parts of the California Central Coast from Cambria to Point Conception as the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (NMS).
The Chumash Heritage site is the first Tribal-led national marine sanctuary nomination in the nation, spearheaded by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council. California's Central Coast supports one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. The northern and southern ocean currents meet in this area, which brings flora and fauna from all across the world. The proposed NMS would cover 156 miles of coastline and unique ocean biodiversity.
Please take a few minutes today to add your name to a letter of support for the project, and leave a brief written comment to the federal register.
The sites have a rich history for the Chumash Peoples, spanning back over 18,000 years. The Chumash Peoples have stewarded much of the Central Coast since the beginning of history, and the region contains numerous sacred sites for the tribes.
Designating the sites as a Natural Marine Sanctuary will protect the area from dangerous offshore drilling, mining, and other forms of pollution which would damage the ecosystem. It will also provide important economic benefits to the local economy, leading to almost 600 new jobs and 23 million dollars from preservation efforts.
There is currently an ongoing public comments period, closing Monday, January 31st. Your support is crucial in convincing the NOAA to grant the designation for Chumash Heritage sites and preserving this vital, historical region.
