| November has been a great month for new potential national marine sanctuaries helping America achieve our commitment of 30% protection by 2030. On November 9th, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation joined tribal, national and community leaders in celebrating the initiation of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary’s designation process, announced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and applauding members of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council for leading its nomination. |
On November 19th, NOAA also initiated the process to designate marine portions of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as a national marine sanctuary! This designation would build on existing management by adding conservation benefits and enhancing long-term protection of these areas. As Kalani Quiocho, Cultural Resources Coordinator for the Pacific Islands Region at the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, explained in our recent Blue Beacon event panel, “Sanctuary designation doesn’t change the monument designation, nor the co-management framework…designation of would supplement & complement, as well as enhance, these existing authorities and regulatory frameworks.”
Public comment periods are now open for both designations. Add your voice for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary here, and learn more about Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument here.
Please support our work driving the goals of achieving 30% marine protection under marine managed areas by 2030 from California to the Coral Triangle.