The Biden administration approved the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on Friday, protecting a huge swath of the Pacific Ocean but excluding a contested area where offshore wind developments will connect to the onshore grid.
The 4,543-square-mile sanctuary along the central California coast is the first proposed by Native Americans and the third-largest marine sanctuary in the country.
“There is a deep sense of pride, joy and accomplishment that comes with this designation,” said Paul Michel, West Coast regional policy coordinator for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
“This will propel us forward in bringing meaningful, comprehensive ecosystem-based and community-based management to the nationally significant natural, historical and cultural resources of this amazing coast and ocean,” he said.
