Earlier this month, a final rule to designate Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary was published. The area, located in California, will become a national marine sanctuary pending a congressional review period. It spans 4,543 mi² of ocean and will be the 17th U.S. national marine sanctuary.

This new marine sanctuary will be the first indigenous-focused national marine sanctuary in the U.S. It will protect approximately 116 mi. of California coast and generations of rich cultural history.

For millennia, indigenous peoples have utilized and revered these waters, forging a profound connection with their depths and the diverse marine life they harbor. These waters are an essential part of the heritage of the Chumash and other Central Coast Tribes. This designation is comes after 40 years of advocacy by local community members, elected leaders and the Northern Chumash Tribal Council.

Learn more here.