The US designates a new marine sanctuary led by Indigenous people

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.

www.npr.org

The US designates a new marine sanctuary led by Indigenous people

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