The elaboration of environmental sensitivity indices (ESI) maps of the Marine Protected Area of Baia

Abstract

Environmental sensitivity maps for hydrocarbon spills are a useful instrument for highlighting those stretches of coastline and waters that are most vulnerable to oil spills. With this in mind a method for evaluating environmental sensitivity indices has been drawn up. Different natural and anthropic factors that would be affected by a spill have been taken into account in terms of damage to the environment, landscape, cultural and historical heritage and the economy. The structural and physical characteristics that would in any way alter the probability of contact with hydrocarbons or the difficulty of clean up of a particular area have also been considered. The aim of the study was to analyse the submerged archaeological park of Baia in order to draw up a map of the varying degrees of sensitivity to oil spills present in this protected marine area. The study offered the opportunity to validate the tested methods and obtain an overview of the sensitivity to hydrocarbon spills in an area where the situation is particularly complex due to the coexistence of important submerged Roman remains, protected marine species and intense human activity, particularly related to tourism. The data collected during the field trip and the sensitivity indices that were subsequently drawn up are a valuable database for the local community and the public administration for the application of the principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management, as well as for the prevention of major environmental disasters from all too frequent hydrocarbon spill accidents.