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The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary was proposed to protect the wildlife, habitats, and cultural resources of one of the most diverse and bountiful marine environments in the world, stretching along 156 miles of the southern California coast and covering 7,670 square miles. The waters within the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary are part of a nationally significant marine ecosystem, and host many endangered species such as blue whales, southern sea otter, black abalone, snowy plovers, and leatherback sea turtles. The sanctuary also includes now sunken sacred sites of the Chumash People.

The sanctuary was nominated by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council in July 2015. Since then, it has gained support from local ecologists, including 150 scientists signing onto a petition by Environment California. The status of the proposed National Marine Sanctuary is up for consideration by NOAA, but NOAA has plans to designate the sanctuary officially. The sanctuary is currently under public comment period.

Early Chumash Inhabitants
The first archaeological evidence of the Chumash People residing in the area dates back 15,000 years. Upon the invention of the tomol, the Chumash canoe, around 1,500 years ago, the Chumash became more involved in a maritime lifestyle.

European Occupation
At the time of European Occupation, there were reportedly more than 25,000 Chumash residents of the area, living in 150 settlements.

Geography
As the sanctuary is still undergoing review, the borders of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary are still subject to future change. The marine sanctuary spans the coastline from Cambria, California, to just north of Santa Barbara, California. The notable offshore locations include Rodriguez Seamount, Arguello Canyon, and Santa Lucia Bank. Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are among the notable on shore locations. The proposed Morro Bay 399 wind farm is also within the bounds. The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes are among the major on-shore habitats.