Introducing Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Guidelines-Developed by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Subject Areas : Water and Environment

Lida Davar ¹ , Afshin Danehkar ² , Borhan Riazi ³

1 - MSc. Graduated school of Energy and Environment, Science and Research Campus, Islamic Azad University
2 - - Assist Prof., Faculty of Natural Resources, Tehran University
3 - Assist Prof, Faculty of Energy and Environment, Science and Research Campus, Islamic Azad University

Received: 2008-04-06 Accepted : 2008-09-14 Published : 2012-03-20

Keywords: Environmental Sensitivity Inde, Shorelines, Oil spill,

Abstract :

Coastal areas are very vulnerable for pollution. Despite the fact that such areas are benefiting from verity of biological resources of marine and inland systems, they are exposed to destructive threats from both systems. Nowadays, one of the main sources of threat is the large probability of occurrence maritime accidents that caused oil spill. Therefore, identification of sensitive coastal areas and its protection against pollutants such as petroleum products has become a priority for coastal countries. The purpose of this research is to introduce a guideline for mapping of Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI), as a tool for identification of coastal areas, sensitive to oil spill, developed by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of United States of America. The goal of such identification is timely response to oil spill and cleanup process for protection of the various coastal ecosystems. In past few decades, Environmental sensitivity analysis and mapping projects have been carried out in many Countries, along thousands of kilometers of shoreline around the world, primarily as a part of national efforts to establish a knowledge-based response system to spilled oil that may affect the coastline.

References:

1. NOAA, 2002, Environmental Sensitivity Index Guidelines, Version 3, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


2. WWW.NOAA.ORG


3. UNEP (1999). Overview on land-based sources and activities affecting the marine environment in the ROPME Sea Areas. UNEP/GPA Co-ordination Office&ROPME. 127 p. UNEP Regional Seas Reports and Studies No. 168.