URGENT ACTION NEEDED: Tell NOAA to approve the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary and permanently protect 5,600 square miles of California’s coastal waters! Sign the petition now >>

Off California’s central coast, cool waters from the north meet warm southern currents and create a nutrient-rich zone, fueling a diverse marine ecosystem. Here, you might see Southern Sea otters floating on their bellies, sea turtles lugging themselves across the sand, or snowy egrets soaring overhead.

These waters and coastline hold significant cultural and spiritual importance to the Indigenous Chumash people – but oil and gas drilling in these waters could DESTROY this beautiful ecosystem. Please, Friend, tell the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to approve the proposed marine sanctuary and STOP oil and gas development from destroying this special ecosystem!

*Your Signature is Missing, Friend*

Chumash Heritage is the first ever Tribal nominated marine sanctuary. If approved, it would protect now-submerged ancient villages and traditional ceremonial sites. It would also set a precedent for ocean conservation – opening the door for more perspectives from Indigenous communities with generations of knowledge.

The Chumash people have been leading this fight from the very beginning. Some Chumash elders have been fighting their entire lives to protect this special place. Now we’re on the verge of making it happen -- but we need your help to close the deal! Amplify Tribal voices and send your message to NOAA: protect our oceans, special places, and wildlife from oil drilling!

Standing with you,
Marcie Keever
Oceans and vessels program director,
Friends of the Earth Action