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Kind: captions
Language: en

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Some of the earliest documented human occupation
of North America is found along California’s Central Coast.

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This is where multiple bands of Chumash and
other indigenous peoples thrived and served

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as the first stewards of the rich waters,
and abundant wildlife for thousands of years.

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The area is also known for its wetlands, extensive
kelp forests, and seagrass beds—

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critical habitat for numerous fish species and many
threatened and endangered species

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such as blue whales, the southern sea otter,
black abalone, snowy plovers and leatherback sea turtles.

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So many communities rely on this special slice
of coast, for commercial and recreational

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fishing, kayaking, surfing, diving,
and wildlife watching.

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In 2015, the Northern Chumash Tribal Council
submitted a nomination asking NOAA to consider

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designating this area as a national marine
sanctuary to ensure protection of its nationally-significant

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cultural and biological resources.

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Today, I’m pleased to announce that
NOAA is initiating the process

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to designate this area
off the central coast of California

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as a national marine sanctuary.

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While this is the first of many steps in the
designation process, it’s a critical one,

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formally transitioning the site from the nomination
process to this next phase.

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The proposed sanctuary aims to recognize and
preserve Chumash tribal history,

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protect the area’s rich biodiversity,
and build resilience to climate change impacts. 

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Further, if designated, the proposed sanctuary
would support President Biden’s

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America the Beautiful initiative, a decade-long challenge
to pursue a locally led and nationally scaled

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effort to conserve and restore U.S. lands and
waters for the benefit of people and nature.

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NOAA is inviting public comment on the proposed
sanctuary’s goals, boundaries, and name.

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We encourage you to share your thoughts and
learn more by visiting sanctuaries.noaa.gov/chumash-heritage.

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Thank you.