Biden-Harris Administration proposes new Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off California Coast
Originally published on americathebeautifulforall.org.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug 24, 2023) —The proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary would span 134 miles of the Central California coast, from Hazard Canyon Reef, south of Morro Bay, to an area just south of Dos Pueblos Canyon – the site of one of the largest historical Chumash villages along the Gaviota Coast. It would safeguard this unique and irreplaceable ecosystem from offshore oil expansion, acoustic testing, and other threats. It would also generate an estimated $23 million in economic activity and create 600 new jobs for the local community.
The America the Beautiful for All Coalition urges NOAA to expedite the designation process and ensure that the voices of the Chumash people and other Indigenous voices are heard and respected.
Below are statements from three members of the America the Beautiful for All Coalition’s Ocean Workgroup:
Mike Khus-Zarate, Northern Chumash Tribal Council, AtB4All Ocean Workgroup member
“Our Chumash people and friends who have worked so hard and waited so long for designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary should be pleased with reaching this milestone in a truly historic journey. We know that we must finish this important task with the same spirit of life and love for those whom we call “all of our Relations”: the ocean creatures of our stories and songs, our ancestors who paddled their tomols here for thousands of years and for all the generations yet to come who will call our beautiful coast ‘home.’”
Helen Smith, Creation Justice Ministries, AtB4All Ocean Workgroup Co-lead:
“I am thrilled to see that the Biden administration has taken a significant step towards designating the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, the first tribally nominated sanctuary in the U.S. This is a historic moment for the Northern Chumash Tribe and all the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land and ocean for millennia. I fully support their leadership and perseverance in advancing this grassroots effort to protect their sacred sites, cultural heritage, and marine biodiversity.”
Angelo Villagomez, Center for American Progress, AtB4All Ocean Workgroup Co-lead:
“As a proud Chamorro from the Mariana Islands, I understand the importance of elevating Indigenous perspectives and values in ocean conservation.The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary would set a precedent for inclusive and collaborative partnerships among federal, state, and local governments, and California Native American Tribes. It would also contribute to the global goal of protecting at least 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030. I look forward to celebrating the establishment of this sanctuary and witnessing its benefits for generations to come.”