A monumental environmental initiative is underway along California’s central coastline, where a 156-mile stretch is poised to be transformed into a national marine sanctuary. This project, led by the Chumash people in partnership with other local tribal groups and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is groundbreaking in its approach and scale.
If approved, this sanctuary will be the first tribally-nominated and tribally-led marine sanctuary on the U.S. mainland. Covering a vast area of 7,670 square miles, it will be six times the size of Yosemite National Park. This sanctuary is not just significant in terms of size but also in its mission to combat the severe threats of climate change and pollution affecting the region.
The waters off California’s coastline are experiencing rapid acidification, occurring at twice the rate compared to the rest of the ocean. This area has already faced challenges such as oil spills from pipelines and petrol tanks, urban stormwater and agricultural runoff, and the ongoing threat of offshore oil drilling, which remains legal in California.
Stanford marine sciences professor Stephen Palumbi highlighted the sanctuary’s potential role in protecting the region’s marine life. Sanctuaries serve as a nexus for combining various interests, including fishing, local landowners, and state fish and wildlife departments. They also provide a structure within the federal government, granting access to budget and research resources. Crucially, sanctuaries can merge local knowledge with administrative capabilities, forming a powerful tool for environmental protection.
One of the most significant impacts of the sanctuary would be the prohibition of offshore oil drilling, as such activities are officially banned in these protected areas. The sanctuary would also prevent waste material discharge, seabed alterations, and disturbances to cultural resources.
The proposal for this sanctuary has been in development since the Chumash formally submitted it in 2015. It could be designated as early as 2024, with 15 senators and members of Congress already urging its approval. Draft designation documents have been made available for public review, and public comments were received through October 25, 2023, as part of the consideration process before its hopeful finalization.
This initiative represents a significant step in environmental conservation, blending tribal wisdom with federal support to safeguard a critical marine ecosystem. The proposed sanctuary stands as a testament to collaborative efforts in preserving natural habitats and combating the adverse effects of climate change and human activities.