The Biden administration has designated 4,500 square miles of ocean off California's coast as the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, co-managed with Indigenous groups.
Lauren Sommer reports for NPR.
In short:
- The sanctuary is the first in the U.S. to be led by Indigenous people, nominated by the Northern Chumash Tribe.
- It protects diverse marine ecosystems and sacred Indigenous sites while allowing fishing but banning oil drilling and mining.
- Offshore wind energy projects required a compromise on sanctuary boundaries, with potential future expansion.
Key quote:
"Being able to address climate change, use traditional ecological knowledge, and participate in co-management is Indigenous peoples’ contribution to saving the planet."
— Violet Sage Walker, chairwoman of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council
Why this matters:
This sanctuary strengthens ocean conservation and recognizes Indigenous stewardship. Its co-management model could guide future partnerships in protecting ecosystems threatened by climate change.
Read more: Biden faces choice between advancing offshore wind and honoring tribal heritage in California
