Characteristics of resource protection plans: An analysis of methods

Abstract

During the past 10 years, a variety of plans have been developed for the evaluation, assessment and protection of natural resources and wetlands from the impacts of oil spills. Each plan has contributed to our knowledge of resource evaluation and planning. Several methods have been used to develop and organize the information available, as it applies to spill response. A comparison of several methods in use on the Pacific Coast of the United States is made from existing protection plans. Analysis of the component methods shows that each plan contains elements of similarity to other plans, but each also includes some unique or innovative approaches to the common problems, Distinctive characteristics of each plan are noted, discussed, and compared. The convenience of each plan for use in the field is reviewed. Each of the resource protection plans develops some needed contribution to interagency oil spill response efforts. There is a trend toward comprehensive planning efforts with practical field application; however, single-purpose plans are useful elements. Few plans use high-level aerial photography, but low-level aerial photography is common. Few plans develop criteria for damage assessment, and few include archaeological sites which might be disturbed during cleanup activities. Identification of endangered species and critical habitat is gaining acceptance as a method for ordering the priorities for protection, although geomorphological categories also are important for this purpose. It is noteworthy that while sensitivity of habitat often is emphasized, sensitivity of organisms to the toxicity of oil usually is not used as a method for setting priorities. The practical considerations for each type of planning or assessment method are compared and discussed.