116 Miles of Pristine California Coast 30 Days Away From Being Protected

About the same time Caity Simmers and John John Florence were hoisting world title trophies overhead, or Caity was trying to (those things are so dang heavy), The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released the final environmental impact statement for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary . The current plan would protect 4,543 square miles along 116 miles of California’s central coast.

The proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary would start south of Morro Bay, close to the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, and stretch south through the surf-rich Hollister Ranch zone and Point Conception, reaching all the way to Gaviota. Extending into the Pacific Ocean, as part of the give-and-take nature of the negotiations over the protected space, the boundaries are not expected to include areas where offshore wind turbines are currently planned to be built or where wind energy transmission cables are expected to be laid.

Up next, NOAA must now wait 30 days before making its final decision on the sanctuary. Should things go smoothly over the next month, by this time in October NOAA could be releasing their final regulations and final management plan for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

"This is a huge moment for the Chumash People and all who have tirelessly supported our campaign over the years,” said Violet Sage Walker, Chairwoman of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council. “My father, the late Chief Fred Collins, began the journey to protect these sacred waters 40 years ago, and we have been so proud to continue his work. I am delighted to celebrate his vision, today’s success, and the future of our People who will always be connected to past, present and future by this special stretch of coastline and the true magic its waters hold.”

“Every tribal nation across the country maintains a significant cultural tie to its aboriginal lands and waters. Sadly, for many, those connections have been difficult to reach. But today, with this announcement, the Chumash people take great strides in restoring our connection to our maritime history,” continued Kenneth Kahn, Chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, which will serve as a Co-steward of the sanctuary.

“NOAA is grateful for the strong interest and leadership of local Tribes and Indigenous communities that engaged in the designation process, helping to inspire the sanctuary’s proposed management plan and Indigenous collaborative co-stewardship framework,” said NOAA Administrator Richard Spinrad, Ph.D.

In total, NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries includes more than 620,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters, including 16 national marine sanctuaries and Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll marine national monuments.

Related: Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Proposed For California Coast