Example ESI Map

Below is a section of an Environmental Sensitivity Index map, showing part of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Shorelines are color-coded to show their sensitivity to oiling. For example, shorelines shown in red are salt marshes that are especially vulnerable to oil. Symbols mark locations important to spill responders, such as areas where seals or sea lions congregate or breed (marked with a sea lion symbol), areas where different kinds of birds (such as shorebirds, waterfowl, or raptors) concentrate for feeding or nesting, and areas used by people (such as an aquaculture facility, indicated on this map by an "AQ" symbol, and a recreational beach, marked by a sun umbrella).

Other pages in this series

Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Maps Back to the main ESI page.

Anatomy of ESI Maps ESI maps include three kinds of delineated information.

Using Maps to Evaluate Environmental Tradeoffs An ESI exercise for students and teachers.

ESI References and Samples Detailed technical information.

Status of our ESI Atlases The status of all our ESI atlases.