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.
Public Comment Extension to January 31
Add your voice to support this Sanctuary!
If you can’t make the meeting please sign the action alert here for more info and submit written comments by Jan 31, 2022. Please go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal and enter “NOAA-NOS-2021-0080” in the Search box.
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/