Silver Spring, Md. – October 11, 2024 – The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation joined Indigenous, national, state and community leaders in celebrating the designation of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, announced today by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as a milestone achievement for marine conservation and elevating Indigenous perspectives and cultural values in ocean conservation.
Joel R. Johnson, president and CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, released the following statement:
“The designation of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is a transformational moment for our coastal California waters and all stewards of our shared ocean. Truly, the first Indigenous-focused sanctuary is an historic achievement for our country, benefiting the natural wonders of these waters – blue whales, leatherback sea turtles, black abalone and southern sea otters- as well as the people and communities that are at the heart of its story.
“The designation of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary advances marine biodiversity, ocean justice and equity by protecting ancestral waters and upholding the Central Coast Tribes’ traditional knowledge and ways of stewarding cultural and marine resources. The communities who steward the sanctuary will benefit from new opportunities for public-private partnership. Indigenous collaboration in its management will secure cultural practices for generations to come. We are grateful for the decades-long efforts of the Indigenous Peoples of California’s Central Coast.
“We applaud NOAA and the Administration, and all the partners for protecting these magnificent ancestral waters.”
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The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, established in 2000, is the official non-profit partner of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The Foundation directly supports America’s national marine sanctuaries through our mission to protect species, conserve ecosystems and preserve cultural and maritime heritage. We accomplish our mission through community stewardship and engagement programs, on-the-water conservation projects, public education and outreach programs, and scientific research and exploration. The Foundation fosters innovative projects that are solution-oriented, scalable and transferable, and develop strategic partnerships that promote the conservation and recovery of species and their habitats. Learn more at marinesanctuary.org.
Contact: Chip Weiskotten
Director of Strategic Communications
301-754-6134
chip@marinesanctuary.org