Your support is needed to establish a new Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on California’s Central Coast to permanently protect this biologically and culturally rich area from offshore oil development.

WHY THIS MATTERS
Oil-soaked pelicans, dead dolphins, closed beaches, fishing bans, and economic hardship for coastal businesses as a result of the most recent Santa Barbara-area spill remind us that oil and oceans don’t mix!

California’s Central Coast is an area of extraordinary biodiversity. Endangered whales, dolphins, sea otters, seals, pelicans and other wildlife thrive here, feeding on rich nutrient upwellings. The new Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary would stretch from Gaviota, near the recent oil spill, to Cambria, terminus of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Sanctuary status for this area would prohibit oil development, seismic testing, dumping of agriculture wastewater, and other threats. Comprehensive ecosystem management would ensure the health of the marine habitat.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently expanded two Northern California sanctuaries and is evaluating potential new national marine sanctuaries, This makes the South Central Coast a prime candidate. We need a strong push from the public to get NOAA to act now!

Tim Gallaudet Ph.D., USN Ret.

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere
1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 5128
Washington, DC 20230
202.482.6236

Learn more: http://chumashsanctuary.org