Efforts to designate a 4,543-square-mile stretch of California’s coast as the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary are facing challenges, according to Violet Sage Walker, daughter of the project’s initiator. Walker expresses concern over potential offshore oil and gas leases under the [Trump administration](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/more-drilling-trump-administration-proposes-11-new-oil-gas-leases-expanding-offshore-drilling).
Walker, chairwoman of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, nominated the sanctuary’s designation in 2015. She criticized the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for considering previously prohibited activities. This reaction is not unexpected, given recent decisions to open commercial fishing in Hawaii’s protected areas.
The Northern Chumash Tribal Council’s opposition to these developments has not received a response from NOAA. Walker speculates that economic incentives for oil development may hinder NOAA’s opposition.
California hosts five national marine sanctuaries, safeguarding ecologically significant areas. The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, established with Indigenous collaboration during the Biden administration, included a co-stewardship model with NOAA.
However, the sanctuary’s protection is threatened by potential oil leases, posing risks of spills and environmental harm. The [Environmental Defense Center](https://www.environmentaldefensecenter.org/) and other groups work to raise awareness about these threats.
Maggie Hall of the Environmental Defense Center emphasized concerns over Trump’s proposed five-year leasing program, which could undermine conservation efforts. California’s law preventing new infrastructure for offshore drilling may limit new projects.
Victoria Molyneaux from Defenders of Wildlife warns the Chumash sanctuary’s vulnerability due to its exclusion from the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), which protects certain areas from oil leasing. Despite protection under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, adjacent oil projects risk contaminating the sanctuary.
Stephanie Altman, a senior energy and biodiversity specialist at Defenders of Wildlife, underscores the stringent regulations within the sanctuary. However, uncertainties remain regarding potential regulatory revisions.
Oil spills outside the sanctuary’s boundaries could still harm species like sea turtles and sea otters that the Chumash tribe aims to protect. The sanctuary also houses humpback whales, various fish, and the California brown pelican.
The California State Lands Commission remains opposed to the federal government’s offshore oil plans, citing threats to the economy, environment, and public health.
Michael Mische from the University of Southern California acknowledges the economic benefits of oil development but remains cautious of environmental impacts.
While the Environmental Defense Center’s past litigation has successfully thwarted nearby oil leases, concerns persist over the Trump administration’s leasing program, expected to start soon.
Walker remains uncertain about the sanctuary’s future, especially with the approval of projects like the Sable pipeline. She hopes for policy shifts post-Trump administration.
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary also faces threats from potential offshore drilling, with ongoing litigation affecting its future.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org