Final Plan Released for Chumash Marine Sanctuary

The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, covering 116 miles of California's coast, is set to become the first national marine sanctuary proposed by a Native American tribe, with a final environmental impact statement released by the Biden administration marking a significant milestone. Designed to protect vital marine ecosystems, the sanctuary will prohibit offshore oil drilling and encompass 4,543 square miles, aiming to support both conservation efforts and local economies. Some local fishermen have expressed concerns over the exclusion of Morro Bay from the sanctuary's boundaries, arguing it limits their protection against offshore wind projects. However, NOAA plans to consider extending the sanctuary to include Morro Bay in the future. The sanctuary is part of the Biden administration’s broader goal to conserve 30% of U.S. oceans by 2030 and is expected to be finalized by the time President Biden leaves office in January. This designation reflects decades of advocacy by Indigenous tribes and environmentalists, highlighting the importance of preserving marine habitats.