Environmental Sensitivity Index Maps (NOAA)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/National Ocean Service has an Office of Response and Restoration that publishes a series of Environmental Sensitivity Index Maps (ESI Maps).

ESI maps provide a concise summary of coastal resources that are at risk if an oil spill occurs nearby. Examples of at-risk resources include biological resources (such as birds and shellfish beds), sensitive shorelines (such as marshes and tidal flats), and human-use resources (such as public beaches and parks).

When an oil spill occurs, ESI maps can help responders meet one of the main response objectives: reducing the environmental consequences of the spill and the cleanup efforts. Additionally, ESI maps can be used by planners--before a spill happens--to identify vulnerable locations, establish protection priorities, and identify cleanup strategies.

Students can use the same maps that professionals use for a variety of exercises!

Home Page - responding to oil spills

Additional Information - ocean and coastal issues, especially oil/chemical spills

For a class exercise:

     ESI Map for Lewes, DE (PDF file)
     ESI biological resources listing (PDF file)
     ESI Map general information (PDF file)
     ESI Map key (PDF file)

     ESI Map background (MS Word)
     ESI Map guidelines (MS Word)
     ESI reading the back of the map (MS Word)
     ESI oil types (MS Word)

     ESI Oil Spill Scenario for Lewes, DE (can be modified!) MS Word