Key Milestone for Designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

Today, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released the final Environmental Impact Statement for the designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on California’s Central Coast. This is a huge milestone and critical step in the final designation of the new Sanctuary, which will protect areas of cultural significance to California Native American tribes, prioritize tribal stewardship, and safeguard marine life and habitats.

Upon designation, this Sanctuary will become the third largest in the nation and the first tribally-nominated Sanctuary in the National Marine Sanctuary System. See what Vice President Harris, Governor Newsom, and others had to say in NOAA’s press release.

Map of the September 2024 Final Preferred Alternative boundary of the area NOAA is proposing to designate as Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.