Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Maps

A main objective of spill response in the United States, after protecting human life, is to reduce the environmental consequences of both spills and cleanup efforts. To do this, it's necessary to identify vulnerable coastal locations before a spill happens, so that protection priorities can be established and cleanup strategies identified.

To meet this need, NOAA OR&R researchers, working with colleagues in State and Federal governments, have produced Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps. An example section from an ESI map appears above.

ESI maps serve as quick references for oil spill responders and coastal zone managers. They contain three kinds of information:

• Shorelines are ranked based on their physical and biological character, then color-coded to indicate their sensitivity to oiling.
• Sensitive biological resources, such as seabird colonies and marine mammal hauling grounds, are depicted by shaded polygons and symbol icons to convey their location and extent on the maps.
• ESI maps also show sensitive human-use resources, such as water intakes, marinas, and swimming beaches.

For more detailed information about what you will find in an ESI map, follow the ESI Anatomy link at the top of the page.

Project scientists have created collections of ESI maps, called ESI atlases, for most coastal areas in the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, the Great Lakes, and the U.S. Territories. Each atlas includes:

• a set of maps.
  
• pages of additional information about the biological resources and other features shown on the maps.

To learn more about ESI maps and the information they contain:

• view a sample map and other ESI resources (visit the ESI Toolkit link at the bottom of the page).
• try an online exercise (see ESI Exercise, at bottom).

ESI maps are available in print and electronic formats. Follow the Get ESIs link at the bottom of the page to find out how to download or order ESI maps and GIS data.

Project Status

Starting in 1995 with the outer coast of California, ESI project members began using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to produce updated ESI maps that are higher in quality and can be more readily reproduced. Using a GIS also has made it possible to distribute ESI information in a variety of digital formats, as well as paper maps. Each of NOAA's ESI mapping efforts is a cooperative effort with the primary State response agency, other State and Federal agencies, and industry.

For more information about ESI mapping, contact our ESI Specialist or review our ESI fact sheet.

For more information

ESI Specialist For more information about ESI mapping, contact our ESI Specialist.

Downloads

ESI Fact Sheet Basic information and list of available atlases. (Document format: PDF, size: 1.0 M)