URGENT ACTION NEEDED: Stop fossil fuel companies from DESTROYING a rare ocean ecosystem valued by the Indigenous Chumash Tribe! Sign before the October 25th comment deadline! 

The proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is the first-ever Tribal-nominated sanctuary. If approved, it would permanently protect more than 5,600 square miles of Central California’s coastal waters.  

There are few other regions in the entire world like this one, Friend. Warm southern currents and cool northern currents meet to create a rich, diverse ecosystem where you can find splashing otters, migrating whales, leatherback sea turtles, and hundreds of other species. It also contains submerged ancient cultural sites of the Chumash people. 

But these precious waters and coasts are currently UNPROTECTED from greedy fossil fuel companies who want to drill in our oceans, threatening oil spills, creating toxic pollution, and disturbing wildlife! NOAA is considering permanent protections for Chumash – but the VERY LAST comment period is closing soon! Please, Friend, tell the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration to STOP greedy fossil fuel companies from hurting our oceans and approve the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary!

Approval of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary will set a precedent. In addition to protecting the oceans, cultural heritage, and wildlife within its own borders, this marine sanctuary will open the door for more Tribal-led protections and management of some of our country’s most important waters and lands. 

Some Chumash elders have been fighting to protect these coasts for their entire lives. Don’t let all their work be for nothing! We need 236 more signatures from your area to hit our goal! Amplify Tribal demands and help protect one of the world’s most unique ocean ecosystems before the comment period closes!

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