Biden Administration Establishes Chumash Heritage Marine Sanctuary

The new sanctuary, proposed by Indigenous groups, protects over 4,500 square miles of California's coastline.

The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary covers 4,543 square miles along California's central coast, making it the third-largest in the U.S.
This marks the first marine sanctuary created from an Indigenous proposal, involving local Chumash tribes in its planning and management.
The sanctuary aims to preserve diverse marine life, including blue whales and leatherback sea turtles, and protects submerged cultural sites.
While the sanctuary prohibits new oil and gas exploration, its boundaries were adjusted to accommodate future offshore wind energy projects.
The sanctuary's creation supports President Biden's 30x30 conservation goal to protect 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.