Soon, this could become the first-of-its-kind marine sanctuary.

More than 5,000 square miles of the central California coastline may soon become the newest national marine sanctuary in the United States. It could also make history as one of the first federal sanctuaries established by an Indigenous tribe as part of a growing movement to grant tribes a voice in the management of lands and waters that were once theirs.

The campaign is led by the Chumash people and has been ongoing for over a decade. Designating the "Chumash Heritage" as a national marine sanctuary would mean significant protections against development, such as oil rigs and wind turbines, for these waters.

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NPR climate reporter Lauren Sommer, along with host Regina G. Barber, delves into the details, touching on ocean science, heritage, and what's in a name.

Click here to read the full story by Lauren.

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This episode was produced by Berly McCoy, edited by Rebecca Ramirez, and fact-checked by Anil Oza. Sound design by Maggie Luter.