Support the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

Please help us protect our coastal and marine resources by submitting public comment before the deadline October 25, 2023 8:59pm PT/11:59pm ET.

In August 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released draft documents for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. They are accepting public comments until Octber 25, 2023, and we need your help! Will you lend your voice to support the designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary?  The 60 public comment period is currently in its final days.

Prompted by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, the federal government has proposed to permanently protect the coastline and waters offshore Northern Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties through the designation of a national marine sanctuary.

The nearly 6,000 square-mile area proposed by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for protection is rich in natural and cultural resources, including unique marine habitats, critical migratory pathways for whales, sea turtles, sea birds, and other marine life. It is also an important area for recreation and educational opportunities.

EDC is asking NOAA to designate the largest sanctuary possible, as originally proposed by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, which would establish important connectivity between two existing National Marine Sanctuaries in Monterey Bay and the Channel Islands.

Offshore wind turbines are proposed in an area to the Northwest of the proposed sanctuary. At present, NOAA is proposing to carve out a 2,000 square mile swath from the original proposed sanctuary boundaries to accommodate wind power transmission lines to shore. Instead, we’d like to see them include this area in the Sanctuary, but allow the installation of transmission cables under special use permits. This will allow wind energy projects to go forward but will provide permanent protection from threats such as future oil and gas drilling proposals, seabed mining, and other harmful activities.

Please help us protect our coastal and marine resources by submitting public comment before the deadline October 25, 2023 8:59pm PT/11:59pm ET.

Suggested talking points for your consideration:

• I support the designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary!
• Please designate the sanctuary using the initial boundaries proposed (Initial Boundary Alternative), plus the Gaviota Extension (sub-alternative 5b) in order to provide contiguous protection between Monterey Bay and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuaries.
• This area contains a rich, diverse marine environment, cultural resources such as submerged historic Chumash villages, and shipwrecks, all of which are deserving of protection.
• Offshore wind transmission cables can be accommodated through a special use permit at a later date, but in the meantime, we must permanently protect the area from harmful activities like oil and gas development, seabed mining and dredging, and harmful polluting discharges to our waters.
• Thank you for protecting our Central Coast with this National Marine Sanctuary.