Baseline Environmental Assessment of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

Spanning 4,543 square miles of coastal and ocean waters, the recently designated Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS) represents a transformative approach in how we understand and protect vital marine ecosystems. Situated off California’s Central Coast, it joins four other national marine sanctuaries in the state, collectively protecting habitats that support a remarkable diversity of life—kelp forests, benthic communities, upwelling zones, and deep-sea environments teeming with marine mammals, seabirds, fishes, and invertebrates. CHNMS is the first Tribal-focused national marine sanctuary, setting a powerful precedent for weaving Indigenous knowledge and ecosystem stewardship, honoring the profound cultural significance this region holds for the Indigenous Peoples who have thrived here for millennia.

This project aims to develop a baseline environmental understanding of the CHNMS region by assessing habitats and the status and trends of key species within its boundaries. This foundational assessment will use current literature and historical datasets to identify regional trends and monitoring gaps. These findings will inform the sanctuary’s first Condition Report and Climate Vulnerability Assessment, guiding future management and conservation strategies.