Chumash National Marine Sanctuary Up for Discussion

The proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary seeks to eliminate offshore drilling and acoustic testing while bolstering tourism and scientific research, including the preservation of now-submerged 10,000-year-old tribal sites off Point Conception. As proposed, the sanctuary would cover 140 shoreline miles between Gaviota and Cambria, and stretch seaward to include the nutrient-rich upwelling along the Santa Lucia Bank, covering about 10,000 square miles in all. The proposal does not designate further regulation of harbors or fishing. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is hosting a town hall on the proposal on 1/6/16 in Morro Bay.