Proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
New Sanctuary Designation Milestone
On Sept. 6, 2024, NOAA announced the release of the final environmental impact statement for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. This is a significant step in the sanctuary designation process, with a final agency decision expected in October 2024.
As required by the National Environmental Policy Act, NOAA must wait 30 days after publication of the final environmental impact statement before making its decision. Following the 30 days, should NOAA decide to designate the sanctuary, the agency will release the final regulations and final management plan.
Map of the September 2024 Final Preferred Alternative boundary of the area NOAA is proposing to designate as Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.
Credit: NOAA
Final Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forest located at Cojo Anchorage near Point Conception, Calif., hosts a variety of invertebrates, fish and marine mammals.
Credit: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA
A view of the steering wheel on the bridge of the USCG Cutter McCulloch. The McCulloch sank when it collided with the passenger steamship SS Governor on June 13, 1917.
Credit: NOAA/USCG/VideoRay
Jalama Beach is a popular destination for surfing, sport fishing enthusiasts and beachcombers.
Credit: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA
Humpback whales are among the species that inhabit the waters of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.
Credit: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA
The second Point Conception lighthouse was rebuilt in 1881 and relocated to the lower bluff of the cape 133 feet above the Pacific Ocean, where fog would be less likely to obscure the light.
Credit: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA
Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are native to California's central coast. The kelp keeps them from drifting away and provides camouflage from predators.
Credit: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA
Shipwreck site of the steam schooner wrecker SS San Pedro lost in 1894 while salvaging the coal cargo from the shipwreck Gosford at Cojo Anchorage.
Credit: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA
Deepwater bubblegum coral, a host for California king crab, observed during 2020 E/V Nautilus exploration of the Santa Lucia Bank. Corals and sponges that make up the area's seafloor habitats provide food and shelter for recreationally and commercially important fish species.
Credit: OET/NOAA
Santa Maria River estuary at Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve is a popular seabird watching destination, and was once a seafood gathering place for the Chumash people.
Credit: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA
B-Roll video
Credit: NOAA