A New Marine Protected Area on America’s West Coast:

October 2024

NOAA proudly welcomes Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary—the third largest of America’s 17 existing national marine sanctuaries. The 4,543 square-mile sanctuary off the coast of Central California will conserve vibrant biodiversity and celebrate the area’s rich cultural history. NOAA respects and will work meaningfully with Indigenous Peoples to help guide sanctuary management.

“There is a deep sense of pride, joy, and accomplishment that comes with this designation,” exclaims Paul Michel, West Coast Region policy coordinator for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “This will propel us forward in bringing meaningful, comprehensive ecosystem-based and community-based management to the nationally significant natural, historical, and cultural resources of this amazing coast and ocean.”

A Community Driven Process

The sanctuary was proposed for nomination in 2015 by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, and NOAA began the public designation process in November 2021, receiving more than 110,000 public comments on the draft designation documents, of which more than 98% were supportive of sanctuary designation.

This designation supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s America the Beautiful initiative to address nature loss, climate change, and inequitable access to the outdoors, including through stronger engagement and partnerships with Tribal and Indigenous communities.

John Armor, director of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, expressed his support and excitement for this unique milestone, saying that “Indigenous Peoples have been protecting and conserving the ocean off Central California for millenia, and will continue to do so. The designation of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is incredibly significant in that it recognizes and celebrates this connection and enables NOAA to work collaboratively and meaningfully with Indigenous Peoples to care for and protect this part of the ocean into the future.”