U.S. Designates 3rd Largest National Marine Sanctuary Off California Coast
The US has designated the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, spanning over 4,500 sq miles off California’s central coast. It is now the 3rd-largest marine sanctuary in the country.
This sanctuary is a cornerstone of President Biden's "America the Beautiful" initiative, aiming to protect 30% of US land & water by 2030, setting an ambitious precedent for conservation efforts.
The sanctuary will be co-managed by Indigenous communities, including the Chumash people, whose cultural heritage is interwoven with the region’s rich marine biodiversity.
From stunning underwater mountains to vast kelp forests & over 2,000 shipwrecks, the sanctuary safeguards one of the most diverse marine ecosystems on the West Coast.
Beyond conservation, the sanctuary promotes sustainable economic growth through eco-tourism & recreational opportunities, aligning environmental protection with economic benefits.
Indigenous knowledge & traditions will play a key role in managing the sanctuary, reinforcing the significance of ecological stewardship rooted in centuries-old wisdom.
Though focused on conservation, the sanctuary's boundaries deliberately exclude offshore wind projects, leaving the door open for future energy developments.
As a monumental step for both marine conservation & Indigenous sovereignty, the sanctuary is set to take full effect after a 45-day review in December 2024, marking the beginning of a new chapter in environmental protection.