Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Atlas: Guam - 2005 maps and geographic information systems data (NODC Accession 0033616)

The most widely used approach to sensitive environment mapping in the U.S. is NOAA's Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI). This approach systematically complies information in standard formats for coastal shoreline sensitivity, biological resources, and human-use resources. ESI maps are useful for identifying sensitive resources before a spill occurs so that protection priorities can be established and cleanup strategies designed in advance. Using ESIs in spill response and planning reduces the environmental consequences of the spill and cleanup efforts.

美国境内用于敏感环境制图的最广泛采用的方法，为美国国家海洋和大气管理局（National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration，NOAA）开发的环境敏感性指数（Environmental Sensitivity Index，ESI）。该方法以标准化格式系统性汇编了海岸岸线敏感性、生物资源及人类使用资源的相关信息。环境敏感性指数制图可在溢油事故发生前识别敏感资源，从而提前确立保护优先级并制定清理策略。在溢油响应与规划工作中应用该指数，能够降低溢油事故及其清理作业对环境造成的负面影响。