Sign the petition in support of a new marine sanctuary that would prohibit new oil development. You can make a difference!

The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary proposal would

• prohibit new oil drilling off our shores
• support fishing, recreation, research and natural resource protection
• celebrate the cultural heritage of the First People of the Central Coast

Sign in support!
For more information see website http://chumashsanctuary.com/

As the oil spill off Santa Barbara in 1969 resulted in environmental devastation and spawned the call for national marine sanctuaries, tragically an oil spill on May 19, 2015 in the same region has prompted a call for both emergency and long term protection from the threats associated with off-shore oil drilling.

National marine sanctuaries are established to protect areas that encompass unique significant natural and cultural resources. Each sanctuary is a unique place needing special protections.

Designation of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary will ensure protection of one of the most culturally and biologically diverse coastlines anywhere in the world. These waters are essential to the heritage of the Chumash, one of the few ocean-going bands among the First People of the Pacific Coast. Home to abundant marine wildlife flora and fauna, the region is an essential migratory pathway and transition zone for underwater habitats. The marine environment also provides a very special sense of place to coastal communities and international visitors because of the significant historic, archaeological, cultural, aesthetic and biological resources found here.

The proposed sanctuary would protect underwater ecosystems, would be free to access and open to commercial and recreational fishing, diving, surfing, swimming, wildlife viewing, kayaking, tide pooling, photography and much more.

The nomination proposal calls for protection by

• Prohibition of future oil and gas development
• Prohibition of harmful discharges into sanctuary waters
• Prohibition of seismic acoustic blasting
• Prohibition of seabed floor disturbance

PLEASE JOIN THE LIST OF SUPPORTERS FOR THIS VITAL PROPOSAL!

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