2023 EXPRESS: Exploration of Central California Coast (AUV and Mapping)

(EX2308)

Expedition Features

These expedition features provide updates and reflections on experiences, science, technology, and other elements of the 2023 EXPRESS: Exploration of Central California Coast (AUV and Mapping) expedition. View Expedition Summary

My Days at Sea on Okeanos Explorer

January 8th, 2023

NOAA recognizes the importance of bringing together traditional ecological knowledge and Western science to protect our ocean. As such, NOAA Ocean Exploration engaged local Indigenous communities in the planning of the 2023 EXPRESS: Exploration of Central California Coast expedition. In addition, Mia Lopez and her daughter Keli, two members of the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation, joined the expedition team aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer to share their knowledge, traditions, and connections to the ocean and learn about ocean exploration operations first hand.

The Proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

November 14th, 2023

In 2015, the Northern Chumash Tribal Council nominated an area off the central coast of California to become a national marine sanctuary. NOAA’s proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary would stretch along 134 miles of coastline from Montaña de Oro State Park in San Luis Obispo County to Naples, California, along the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County, and would encompass 5,617 square miles.