The above maps were created in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. They show environmental and economic sensitivity to this disaster. These maps can be used to mitigate possible damage by the oil by identifying who is in charge and what areas are most important to protect.
The most at risk areas include marshes and swamps. Out of the 63 miles of shoreline, 14 miles fall within the ESI rating of 10, being the most sensitive. The areas will be harder to clean up and have to endure the greatest impact of the oil.
The federal government is in charge of a large portion of the coast represented. The state government has a smaller area of authority. There are still a many areas which are not defined on who would have authority.
Regarding boom, 3600 ft. with many more ft. proposed and planned. The boom is and will be placed strategically to protect the most sensitive shorelines.
Birds, Terrestrial Mammals, Invertebrates and Reptiles are sensitive creatures in the map area. It seems the invertebrates will be affected the most by the oil as they inhabit all waters. They will have the least protection and would be virtually impossible to have a catch, clean and release program.
Tourism is a main economic driver for this region. As the map shows, there are many recreational beaches that draw tourists every year. There also many marinas that are home charter fishing boats. With oil affecting the area, fishing will be off limits or perceived as off limit, impacting the local economy in a negative way.
I would like to have done more in the way of graphs and tables, but this week's projects took a great deal of time. It was interesting working on a project that hit so close to home and is still ongoing.
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