Sailing the Coast: A Journey on Okeanos Explorer
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. This invitation was made in collaboration with the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, the Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation, and the Chumash representatives on the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, and in support of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Here, Mia shares her experience.
The night before departure, Mia could barely sleep, her mind alive with anticipation. Before dawn, she and her daughter Keli packed their car and set off from Santa Barbara toward San Francisco Bay, the excitement building with each mile of coastal highway behind them. When they arrived, the Okeanos Explorer stood impressively against the horizon, far grander than photographs had suggested. Sam Cuellar welcomed them warmly, initiating them into ship life with introductions to the crew, safety briefings, and tours of the research vessel that would be their home. Sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge through morning mist marked their true departure—a threshold crossed between land life and sea adventure. Days quickly fell into rhythm: spotting dolphins riding the bow wave, learning sailor's knots from weathered hands, and gathering on deck for stories beneath star-filled skies.
Mia's daily livestreams connected scientific discovery with Indigenous perspectives on California's coastal waters. Her conversations with tribal leaders—Monica Arellano from Muwekma Ohlone and Chairman Val Lopez of Amah Mutsun—provided cultural context even during challenging days of rough seas and seasickness. Watching the crew deploy an autonomous underwater vehicle became a highlight, as did the unexpected company of curious seals swimming alongside the ship. Shared meals under open skies and laughter with Keli made every challenge worthwhile. The expedition culminated in a powerful final broadcast featuring Northern Chumash leaders and marine ecologist Dr. Steve Palumbi discussing the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Their journey ended fittingly at Cabrillo High School's student-run aquarium, where Mia's older daughter Lacee coordinated the shoreside event. As Mia stepped off the ship, she carried with her more than research data—she had gained the rhythm of waves against the hull, stories shared under starlight, renewed appreciation for Indigenous connections to the ocean, and precious memories with her daughter. Already, driving south toward home, she was dreaming of her next voyage aboard the Okeanos Explorer.
