Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Nomination

NOAA seeks public comment on five-year review of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary nomination

NOAA seeks input from the public on whether the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary continues to meet the criteria for sanctuary nomination.

On October 5, 2015, the nomination of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary was accepted to NOAA’s inventory of sites for potential designation. To date, NOAA has not initiated a designation process for this site. However, NOAA will evaluate the nomination by October, 2020 to determine if it is still relevant and responsive to the sanctuary nomination process criteria and should remain in the inventory for another five years. 

The five-year review aids NOAA’s assessment of whether conditions that warranted inclusion in the inventory still apply, and allows an assessment of the national significance of the area, the management issues facing resource protection and the needs and interests of the local community and the nation.

NOAA has published a Federal Register notice requesting public comment through June 15. Effective comments need to focus on the nominated site’s continued relevance and responsiveness to the 11 criteria on national significance and management considerations. Additionally, NOAA will host a virtual public meeting to explain the review process and gather input.  

WHAT:

Written public comment through June 15 on five-year review of the nomination for a Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. NOAA hosts a virtual public meeting through GoToWebinar to explain the process, respond to questions and accept oral public comment. 

WHEN and WHERE:

May 27, 2020; 6:00 pm (PST)  

Please register in advance if you want to provide comment or ask questions at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4932780103863725068 

Online:

Written comments must be submitted electronically at https://www.regulations.gov with Docket Number NOAA-NOS-2020-0063. 

For more information: Lisa Wooninck at lisa.wooninck@noaa.gov.