National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently proposed designating a 5,617-square-mile area off the coasts of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties as the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. This proposed sanctuary would be the nation's 16th national marine sanctuary and marks the first Indigenous-led nomination for such a designation, according to an Aug. 24 news release.
"Since taking office, President Biden has launched the most ambitious climate and conservation agenda in history," U.S Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the release. "As part of this historic commitment, the Biden-Harris administration is advancing collaborative conservation and collaborative management, and prioritizing the input and insight of tribal leaders during the development of this sanctuary proposal. In addition to protecting critical ecological and cultural sites, this proposed sanctuary would advance President Biden’s commitment to conserving at least 30% of U.S. ocean waters by the end of the decade."
The proposed area would encompass 134 miles of coastline, including many critical ecological and cultural sites. The department alleges it would protect marine life, ecosystems, archaeological sites and cultural sites in the region, promoting biodiversity conservation, the release reported.
Additionally, it would enhance ecological connectivity by sitting between existing marine protected areas. NOAA claims this proposed sanctuary reflects the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to honoring Tribal nations, respecting Indigenous knowledge and advancing co-stewardship of natural resources, the release said.
NOAA's proposal includes a framework for Tribal and Indigenous collaborative management, ensuring Indigenous perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes, according to the release.
The public has until Oct. 25 to provide comments on the proposal, and NOAA will host public meetings and informational workshops to facilitate engagement. A final decision on the sanctuary's designation is expected in mid-2024, the release said.
This is a significant step toward achieving President Joe Biden's America the Beautiful Initiative, which aims to conserve and restore 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, the release reported.
