Biden administration takes step toward Indigenous-proposed marine sanctuary off California coast

The Biden administration has taken the penultimate step in designating a new marine sanctuary off California’s coast.

The proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary would recognize the Indigenous Chumash people’s connection to the region. 

Originally proposed by Fred Collins, the leader of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, the site would be the first Indigenous-proposed national marine sanctuary. 

The area in question is off the coast of central California, and the sanctuary would encompass 4,543 square miles of ocean waters.

The Biden administration described it as having “nationally significant biodiversity.”  It has extensive kelp forests and is habitat for animals including humpback and blue whales, the southern sea otter and leatherback sea turtles. 

The step taken by the administration on Friday is the release of a final environmental review, and the decision to name the new marine sanctuary could come after at least 30 days.

“Our community is a vibrant, bright community and it’s as passionate today about protecting our coastline and taking care of our animals and plants as it’s ever been,” said Violet Sage Walker, chair of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council and Collins’s daughter. 

“As a Senator, I was proud to support efforts to create the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off California’s coast to honor our commitments to Indigenous communities and promote natural spaces,” Vice President Harris said in a written statement. “President Biden and I will continue to protect, conserve and restore lands and waters in communities across our nation.” 

There are currently 16 national marine sanctuaries in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s system.