GIS & Mapping > Map Products > Environmental Sensitivity Index
Map Products
NOAA Environmental Sensitivity Index Maps & Documentation
NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R) researchers, working with colleagues in state and federal governments, have produced Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) data and maps. ESI products serve as quick references for oil and chemical spill responders and coastal zone managers. The ARD watershed projects use this information as a baseline reference for potential physical and biological resources in and around the aquatic environment. This information can be used to evaluate restoration opportunities for habitat and for terrestrial and aquatic species.
ESI maps include three kinds of information:
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Biological Resources – Oil-sensitive animals, as well as habitats that either (a) are used by oil-sensitive animals, or (b) are themselves sensitive to spilled oil (e.g., coral reefs).
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Shoreline Rankings – Shorelines are ranked according to their sensitivity, the natural persistence of oil, and the expected ease of cleanup.
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Human-Use Resources – Resources and places important to humans and sensitive to oiling, such as public beaches and parks, marine sanctuaries, water intakes, and archaeological sites.
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ESI Maps
- ESI Map Index (375 kb PDF) - Clickable index map that opens individual ESI maps
ESI Documentation
The following PDF documents go into depth about the technical and scientific aspects of using the ESI data.
