Nominator Name(s) and Affiliation(s) Fred Collins, Northern Chumash Tribal Council
Nomination Point of Contact Fred Collins, Northern Chumash Tribal Council, 67 South St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 801-0347
Section II – Introduction
The waters of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS) lie between the Channel Island National Marine Sanctuary and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The unique coastline and ocean waters are the most beautiful in the world to the First Peoples and the communities that live along this ecologically rich, biologically diverse healthy coastline, and to many that come from all over the world to visit our coast.
These waters are critical to the maintenance of ecologically and commercially important species, along with critical habitat that connects with bio-geographic assemblages that enhance the ecological significance of these coastal waters. Commercial and recreational fishing depend on the ecological balance and protection of the waters for future generations.
Protecting our coastal resources for all communities that live here, learning and understanding the connectivity of all things along our coast will make the educational and learning possibilities very special for all of our coastal communities and will enrich the communities’ understanding of how we can assist these ocean waters in the nurturing of her health and balance, in a good way, to honor the provider of great magical wonder and Thrivability. Read complete nomination document: Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary -NOM DOC 1-2-15
