To: California Fish and Game Commission
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090

Subject: Letter of Support for Petition 2023-29-MPA

Dear President Sklar and Honorable Commissioners,

I am a California resident writing in strong support of the Mishopshno State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) (Petition 2023-29MPA) off the coast of Carpinteria. 

The Mishopshno SMCA would protect important habitats that support rich biodiversity, such as persistent kelp forest, rocky reef, sandy beaches, and an important juvenile white shark aggregation zone. Research has shown that marine protected areas (MPAs) can bolster ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change, enhance local economies through tourism and ocean recreation, help overexploited fish and habitats bounce back, and keep our coasts healthier. 

The Santa Barbara coast also holds cultural and present-day significance for several Chumash communities in the region. As a Tribally cosponsored MPA by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, this proposal promotes and supports Tribal marine stewardship and co-management. Designating this MPA would honor and strengthen the Chumash peoples’ stewardship of the area, and elevate their historical and present-day connection to the region.

We appreciate the Commission’s work to protect our state’s coastal habitats and biodiversity, which is critical now more than ever as we face the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. I urge you to approve this proposal that aims to honor Chumash cultural and historical connections to the area, provide additional resilience in the face of climate change, and protect critical marine habitats. 

Sincerely,