Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Maps

Environmental Sensitivity Index (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.

Sample ESI map, showing part of the Point Reyes National Seashore.
Shorelines on ESI maps are color-coded by sensitivity to oil. Symbols mark localized areas for biological and human-use resources.

Key Features of ESI Maps and Data

  • Uses GIS techniques to integrate maps of a region with geographically-referenced biological resources, human-use resources, and ESI-classified shorelines that are ranked based on their sensitivity to oiling.
  • Contains a summary view of ESI data on the back of the paper map, and GIS versions of the ESI data that can be used for more complex queries.
  • Serves as a quick reference for oil spill responders and coastal zone managers.
  • Available as a single map, or a regional collection of maps called an ESI atlas.
  • Available in electronic formats (including several GIS formats) for most coastal regions of the U.S., as well as a few international locations.

ESI maps are created by NOAA OR&R researchers, working with colleagues in state government agencies, federal government agencies, and industry.

More Information about ESI Maps

Download ESIs: Download from this page ESI maps and data in a number of formats.

Order ESIs: Learn how to order ESI maps and data from OR&R.

Basics: Learn about the basic elements of ESI maps, including the types of information that are mapped.

Toolkit: Browse a collection of resources for ESI users.

Availability: See the regions that have been mapped and available formats.

Formats: Review the types of formats that are available for ESI maps and data.

Sample ESI Atlas [PDF, 2.2 MB]: Review this sample ESI atlas, which includes an ESI map with seasonality data; background information about shoreline habitat ranking and sensitive biological and human-use resources; a list of species included in the atlas; a description of shoreline habitat types; a map legend; and guidelines for interpreting ESI maps.

 

Questions: Contact us with questions, comments, or suggestions about ESI maps.

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