Support the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary to Ensure Access for Generations to Come
I grew up more than 100 miles away from the ocean, but one of my fondest memories was witnessing a pod of dolphins breaching the water’s surface as I was driving along the Pacific coast. There was something mystical and alluring about that moment. Moments like that always seemed to call me back to the ocean, even when I was far away. Having since moved to the Central Coast of California, I have felt the ocean become deeply ingrained in my heart. Most recently, I had the unique opportunity to be part of an ongoing effort led by the Northern Chumash tribe to protect the invaluable ocean resources off the California Central Coast through the establishment of a National Marine Sanctuary.
Throughout my time on the coast, I have come to realize that the resources we have in our world’s ocean are incredibly valuable. This value is perfectly embodied by the California Central Coast. The region is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting important habitats for endangered and threatened species like blue whales, southern sea otters, black abalone, snowy plovers, and leatherback sea turtles¹ This gem of California’s coast brings more than 7 million tourists a year to the region² and generates more than $200 million for the local economy.³ For many young folks like myself, the ability to simply visit the ocean and witness its amazing wildlife can bring about immense inspiration and joy, especially through activities like surfing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
Although the California Central Coast hosts a diversity of marine and coastal species, it is no less vulnerable to the threats that have already affected California and our global ocean. From oil drilling and seismic testing to toxic waste dumping and other exploits, human threats jeopardize the existence of the Central Coast’s biodiversity. Examples of such disasters have occurred in the not so distant past, in nearby Santa Barbara, California, where the Refugio Oil Spill occurred in 2015. This oil spill resulted in about 123,000 gallons of oil into the ocean, and cost roughly $335 million to clean-up.⁴ Protections must be put in place to ensure that all folks, including our youth — are able to access and recreate at this special place for generations to come.
Luckily, there is hope. For the first time ever, a Tribally led nomination for a National Marine Sanctuary is in the final stages of establishment here on the Central Coast of California. This protected area will be named the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, in recognition of the leadership of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, who have championed this effort for decades. The Chumash people have resided along this coastline for thousands of years. They have deep historical and cultural roots in the region and possess foundational knowledge in effective and responsible environmental stewardship and management. Such indigenous knowledge will be integrated in the oversight and co-management of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.
The proposed sanctuary will also implement protections of the Central Coast against off-shore oil drilling, toxic waste dumping, seismic testing, and destruction of cultural sites. Another important benefit will likely include expanded access for local and regional public schools to recreate and learn within the National Marine Sanctuary. Designating the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary will play a significant role in fulfilling America’s 30x30 initiative to conserve at least 30% of the planet’s lands and waters by 2030.
As someone who has a strong connection to our ocean, I often found myself relating to other young people while working as an OceanEcho 30x30 Fellow. During my fellowship I developed a public outreach campaign to support the proposed National Marine Sanctuary, and collaborated with many college youth, discovering that I was not alone in my love for our ocean. Countless young people hold strong ties to coastal environments. As such, the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary has wide support amongst many local young folks.
Despite the major progress of this proposed National Marine Sanctuary, there is still much to be done. On August 25, 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published the draft management plan and draft environmental impact statement. These documents provide an outline of how the National Marine Sanctuary will exist and be managed. The release of these documents initiated a 60-day public comment period that closes on October 25, 2023. Now, it is vitally important for everyone to make their voice heard and provide input on how this area will be established and managed! To learn more about how you can support the sanctuary and submit a public comment, visit chumashsanctuary.org The development and implementation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary will protect and preserve the culture and ecology of California’s Central Coast, and ensure access to this special place for generations to come.
About the author: Kai Tran is a 22-year-old member of the EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council and an OceanEcho 30x30 Fellow. He currently attends Duke University in pursuit of a Master of Environmental Management Degree.
Sources
1. National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration (NOAA). (n.d.). Proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Proposed Designation of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary | Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/chumash-heritage
2. Stevens, A. (2023, May 9). Visit SLO CAL announces record-breaking tourism in 2022. KSBY News. https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/visit-slo-cal-announces-record-breaking-tourism-in-2022
3. Northern Chumash Tribal Council. (2015, June). Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Nomination. https://nmsnominate.blob.core.windows.net/nominate-prod/media/documents/nomination_chumash_heritage.pdf
4. Hogg, R. (2022, May 15). California fishermen and fish processors received a $230 million settlement after devastating 2015 oil spill. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/california-fishermen-receive-230m-oil-spill-settlement-refugio-beach-paap-2022-5
5. America the beautiful. U.S. Department of the Interior. (2023, April 18). https://www.doi.gov/priorities/america-the-beautiful
6. Raimondo, G., et al. (2023, August 25). Proposed Chumash heritage national marine sanctuary Draft Management Plan. Proposed Designation of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary | Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/chumash-heritage/
7. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. 2023. Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Silver Spring, MD. https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/media/chumash/2023-proposed-chumash-heritage-nms-deis.pdf
