1. Add your name to our official support letter (now closed)
2. Submit a personalized written comment to the Federal Register or regulations.gov
3. Sign up to speak at a virtual public meeting (update: final meeting was 1/6/22)

Once you’re ready to submit your comment, follow these steps:

• Visit the Federal Register Notice for the proposed Chumash Heritage NMS.
• Clink on the green button SUBMIT A FORMAL COMMENT at the right side of the page
• Paste your comment in the text box OR upload a file by clicking on the button at the end of the comment box + Add a file
• Complete the remaining form — add your email, select “an individual” from the options, fill out Name, Address, and Contact fields
• Click SUBMIT COMMENT
  

There are three virtual public meetings to gather public input about the proposed Chumash Heritage NMS. You must register in advance to speak or to attend. Each speaker will have up to 2-3 minutes to speak. Looking for suggestions on what to say? Check out our sample letter below. Its fine to be brief and just say you support the Sanctuary.

UPDATE. The virtual public meetings have passed. Please consider submitting a written comment in support instead (see above). 

Sample Letter

To NOAA and the Office of Marine Sanctuaries:

My name is _______ and I support the designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary to protect 156 miles of coastline, ocean biodiversity and thriving habitats.

• I specifically encourage the use of the proposed name “Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary” to honor the cultural history and stewardship of the Chumash peoples and the work of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council as the nominator of the Marine Sanctuary.
• I also want to emphasize the need for the broadest sanctuary boundary as depicted in the Notice of Intent. 
• I support the implementation of meaningful Tribal Co-management
• I fully support the permanent ban of offshore oil exploration, drilling, seismic testing and improving water quality off our coast.

I live in (City, State) and (describe your direct connection/relationship to the ocean/coast and specifically to the proposed sanctuary, if relevant. Please make this personal to your own experience).

The sanctuary would also support the deep, long standing relationships coastal communities have with these waters.

Thank you for considering my comments.

Sincerely,

(Name)