Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
NOAA has designated Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, the 17th national marine sanctuary, sixth off the U.S. West Coast, and one of the largest in the National Marine Sanctuary System.
Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary encompasses 4,543 square miles of coastal and ocean waters offshore central California stretching nearly 60 miles offshore and down to a maximum depth of 11,580 feet. The sanctuary protects and will collaboratively manage historical resources along 116 miles of coastline from just south of Diablo Canyon Power Plant in San Luis Obispo County to Naples Reef on the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County. Cities along this stretch of coastline include: Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, Goleta, neighboring Santa Barbara, and further inland lies San Luis Obispo, Guadalupe, Santa Maria, and Lompoc.
Map of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.
Credit: NOAA
Information Sheet on Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forest located at Cojo Anchorage near Point Conception, Calif., hosts a variety of invertebrates, fish and marine mammals.
Credit: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA
Jalama Beach is a popular destination for surfing, sport fishing enthusiasts and beachcombers.
Credit: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA
Humpback whales are among the species that inhabit the waters of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.
Credit: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA
The second Point Conception lighthouse was rebuilt in 1881 and relocated to the lower bluff of the cape 133 feet above the Pacific Ocean, where fog would be less likely to obscure the light.
Credit: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA
Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are native to California's central coast. The kelp keeps them from drifting away and provides camouflage from predators.
Credit: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA
Shipwreck site of the steam schooner wrecker SS San Pedro lost in 1894 while salvaging the coal cargo from the shipwreck Gosford at Cojo Anchorage.
Credit: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA
Deepwater bubblegum coral, a host for California king crab, observed during 2020 E/V Nautilus exploration of the Santa Lucia Bank. Corals and sponges that make up the area's seafloor habitats provide food and shelter for recreationally and commercially important fish species.
Credit: OET/NOAA
Santa Maria River estuary at Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve is a popular seabird watching destination, and was once a seafood gathering place for the Chumash people.
Credit: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA
B-Roll video
Credit: NOAA