Celebrating the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary: A New Era of Ocean Protection

10/16/24 • 18 min

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin shares exciting news about the establishment of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of California. This sanctuary is groundbreaking as it is the first of its kind in California to be co-managed in partnership with Indigenous peoples, specifically the Chumash people.

Spanning 4,500 square miles, the sanctuary will prohibit oil drilling and protect numerous cultural resources, including the suspected remains of ancient submerged villages. The designation of this marine protected area (MPA) is a significant step towards recognizing and honoring the rights and knowledge of Indigenous communities in ocean management.

The journey to establish the sanctuary began in 2015, with the Chumash people advocating for its protection. After facing setbacks during the Trump administration, the Biden administration prioritized the proposal, leading to its recent designation. While the sanctuary's boundaries may not encompass all desired areas, it represents a crucial victory for Indigenous rights and environmental protection.

The episode emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication among various ocean users, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue to ensure that all voices, especially those of Indigenous communities, are heard in the management of marine resources. The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary not only aims to protect marine biodiversity but also serves as a model for future co-management efforts, fostering trust and cooperation between Indigenous peoples and government agencies.

Overall, this episode celebrates the establishment of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary as a landmark achievement in marine conservation and Indigenous rights, paving the way for more inclusive and effective ocean management practices.

Link to article: https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-10-14/white-house-announces-new-california-marine-sanctuary

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Link to article: https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-10-14/white-house-announces-new-california-marine-sanctuary

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From Exploration to Ocean Solutions: How OceanX is Changing the Narrative on Ocean Conservation

Dr. Vincent Pieribone, Co-CEO and Chief Science Officer of OceanX, discusses the organization's evolution and its shift in messaging. OceanX was founded by Ray and Mark Dalio, inspired by the need to celebrate and protect the ocean. Initially, the focus was on conducting exciting scientific expeditions and showcasing the beauty of the ocean through compelling media.

However, as OceanX gained popularity and recognition, they began to receive requests from governments and organizations seeking solutions to ocean-related issues. This prompted a pivot in their mission to not only highlight the ocean's beauty but also to emphasize the urgent need for solutions to the problems facing it, such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change.

Pieribone emphasizes that while the science surrounding these issues is well-established, the focus now is on actionable solutions. OceanX aims to inspire a love for the ocean, which will lead to its protection, and to engage in partnerships that foster sustainable practices. The organization recognizes the importance of showcasing success stories and innovative solutions, thereby shifting from a predominantly doom-and-gloom narrative to one that highlights hope and potential for positive change. This new direction aims to mobilize public interest and action, ultimately benefiting both the ocean and humanity.

Website: https://oceanx.org/

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Surfrider: 40 Years of Celebrating Community and Coastal Conservation

The Surfrider Foundation has made a significant positive impact over its 40-year history, evolving from a grassroots organization focused on protecting surf spots to a powerful advocate for ocean and coastal conservation. Here are some key highlights of its achievements:

Grassroots Mobilization: Surfrider has built a network of over 200 chapters and more than 100,000 volunteers across the U.S. and beyond. This grassroots model empowers local communities to address specific environmental issues, fostering a sense of belonging and collective action among volunteers.
Major Legal Wins: The organization has successfully fought for stronger environmental protections, including a landmark Clean Water Act lawsuit that reached the Supreme Court, reinforcing the Act's reach and effectiveness. This case highlighted the connection between wastewater treatment and coral reef health, showcasing Surfrider's commitment to clean water.
Legislative Achievements: Surfrider played a crucial role in passing the Beach Act, which standardized and funded water quality monitoring across the country. This legislation ensures that beachgoers are informed about water safety, akin to health grades for restaurants.
Community Engagement: Surfrider has effectively engaged communities in conservation efforts, such as beach cleanups and the Ocean-Friendly Restaurants program, which encourages local eateries to reduce single-use plastics. These initiatives not only improve local environments but also educate the public about sustainable practices.
Coalition Building: The organization has successfully collaborated with various stakeholders to oppose harmful policies, such as offshore drilling initiatives during the Trump administration. By mobilizing local communities and making economic arguments for preserving coastal resources, Surfrider has demonstrated the power of collective action.
Innovative Programs: Surfrider has developed numerous programs focused on clean water, beach access, plastic pollution, climate resilience, and ocean conservation. These initiatives are tailored to local needs, allowing chapters to address the unique challenges faced by their communities.
Training and Support: The foundation invests in training and resources for its volunteers, ensuring they are well-equipped to advocate for their local environments. This support fosters a knowledgeable and passionate network of activists dedicated to ocean protection.

Overall, the Surfrider Foundation's 40 years of advocacy, community engagement, and grassroots mobilization have led to significant environmental victories and a stronger, more connected community of ocean advocates.

Volunteer for Surfrider: https://volunteer.surfrider.org/

Website: https://www.surfrider.org/

How To Protect The Ocean - Celebrating the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary: A New Era of Ocean Protection

Transcript

00:00:07.147

I have good news to share on this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast. There is a new marine protected area in the U.S. off the coast of California that is the first of its kind. It's called the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. It was designated on Monday, announced on Monday. and it's the first such preserve in California to be managed in cooperation with indigenous people. The 4,500 square mile sanctuary off the coast of California's rugged ce