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Environmental Sensitivity Index: Long Island Update

MARCH 20, 2015--Some of the biggest challenges faced when collecting the biology and human-use data for the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps are 1) identifying the appropriate source(s) for each species or data type; 2) demonstrating to the identified data experts the necessity and benefit of sharing their data through the ESI venue; 3) coordinating the data transfer while minimizing the work load for the provider; and 4) revisiting data providers and other experts during the review of the ESI maps and data.


As part of the Sandy ESI effort, NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) has been working with OR&R to map the biology and human use components for the Long Island Sound ESI. Also for OR&R, Quantum Spatial, Inc. is pursuing the same task in the adjacent regions of New York and New Jersey. To minimize redundant requests to data providers, and to maximize the efficiency and completeness of the data collection, these two groups have coordinated many of their outreach efforts.

On Friday and Saturday – March 20 and 21, 2015 – NCCOS will be presenting a jointly prepared poster at the Long Island Natural History Conference. The conference is open to the public, and will feature presentations from 16 naturalists, and 30 local sponsoring organizations will be manning booths. This is a unique opportunity where many potential data providers and ESI end users will be co-located for two consecutive days. One of the prime messages the poster and NCCOS hope to convey is how heavily the ESIs rely on input from the local experts; during an oil spill, responders cannot protect something if they don’t know it is there! A sample graphic from the poster is shown below.

For further information, contact Jill.Petersen@noaa.gov.

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Map showing ESI data.
A graphic from the poster shows how ESI information helps in prioritizing protective measures.
Last updated Tuesday, November 8, 2022 1:43pm PST