Currently the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is in the process of collecting public comments to support the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. This Sanctuary will protect a remote and lightly impacted coastal area off the California Coastline between Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties, critical habitat for sea otters, whales and other endangered species, is sensitive habitat and has significant cultural value for Native Chumash people.
Second Public Comment Opens August 28, ends October 25.
Add your voice to support this Sanctuary!
NOAA SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT
As the next step in the designation process, NOAA has published a notice of proposed rulemaking (“proposed rule”), a draft environmental impact statement, and a draft management plan. These documents include the following draft provisions for establishing the sanctuary site: a sanctuary boundary, regulations, terms of designation, environmental impacts analysis, and strategies and activities to guide management of the proposed sanctuary. NOAA invites the public to comment on these draft designation documents and will consider all submitted comments* when preparing the final rule, final environmental impact statement, and final management plan in the last phase of the sanctuary designation process. Please refer to these tips for submitting comments. The public comment period is open until Oct. 25, 2023.
Please go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal and enter “NOAA-NOS-2021-0080” in the Search box.
In September, 2023 NOAA is also hosting a series of public meetings and informational workshops along the central coast to gather comments and input. Consider using the talking points below in addition to adding your own personal comments.
Suggested Talking Points
- This designation should be named the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary in recognition of the history and culture of the Chumash people.
- The size, location and other features of the sanctuary should be consistent with the official proposal submitted to NOAA by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council in 2015.
- Sanctuary designation will empower the Chumash Nation and local communities to work with federal and state partners to protect this vital stretch of coastal and marine waters.
- The designation will also stimulate marine research, education, stewardship, recreation and tourism.
- The proposed Chumash Heritage NMS is essential for the protection of the heritage of the Chumash, an ocean-going band among the First People of the Pacific Coast, and submerged Chumash Sacred sites ranging from villages to solstice alignments.
For more information visit: https://chumashsanctuary.org/