After years of campaigning by Indigenous Americans in central California, the US has approved the country’s first Indigenous-nominated national marine sanctuary. The Chumash Heritage national marine sanctuary, a 4,543 sq mile expanse of ocean, will protect marine life from mining and oil drilling. The sanctuary will stretch along 116 miles of the California coastline, home to species such as southern sea otters, abalone, and blue whales, as well as critical kelp forests that act as a carbon storage system.
The Northern Chumash Tribal Council, led by chairwoman Violet Sage Walker, worked tirelessly with various community and environmental groups to advocate for the sanctuary. They believe they have a duty to protect the waters from harmful activities. The sanctuary will encompass Point Conception, a sacred area known as Humqaq.
The sanctuary’s boundaries will come into effect on December 15, pending a final review. Although the tribe’s initial proposal was larger, the approved area still represents a significant victory. Leading up to this achievement, the tribe also raised concerns about an offshore wind farm and its potential impacts on marine life.
While the tribe won’t manage the sanctuary, NOAA will establish a co-stewardship management structure to involve representatives and partners from multiple local tribes. Supporters, including members of Congress, are grateful for the historic designation of the sanctuary, recognizing its importance in protecting the marine environment in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Violet Sage Walker, who played a crucial role in the sanctuary’s nomination, plans to take some time off before embarking on the tribe’s next campaign. The approval of the sanctuary is a significant achievement that not only recognizes the importance of protecting marine life but also highlights the power of community activism and collaboration.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
