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 is necessary to identify vulnerable coastal locations before a spill happens, so that protections priorities can be established and cleanup strategies identified.

To meet this need, NOAA researchers, working with colleagues in state and federal governments, have produced Enviromental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps. ESI maps identify critical habitats, beach access points, and other areas that could be affected by a spill incident. The maps also include data on the distribution of key animal species.

The Chesapeake Bay ESI maps were recently updated for the firs time in more than 20 years. Downloadable data is available by state: Maryland (updated in 2007) and Virginia (updated in 2005)

More information and additional ESI maps for all of the coastal United States, the U.S. portion of the Great Lakes, and the U.S. territories of Guam, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico are available.

To view a larger version of the Maryland Example Map (Click the image below) MD ESI Data Download

To view a larger version of the Virginia Example Map (Click the image below) VA ESI Data Download