Mapping the vulnerability of coastal areas of the Eastern region of Morocco (ERM) to oil spills risk

Abstract

The objective of this study is to generate maps of coastal areas based on the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) to assess oil spills risk. These maps have become a crucial tool for operational responders. ESI is a tool developed to evaluate the sensitivity of coastal environments and provides a method to assess the impact of oil spills systematically IPIECA. IMO. IOGP, (Juillet 2012). The establishment of the future Nador West Med oil transshipment port is expected to make maritime transport of hydrocarbons a significant source of pollution along the Eastern Region of Morocco (ERM), given the substantial traffic in these products. Through satellite imagery, it has been possible to observe and recognize the different geomorphological formations along the coast. In order to map these sites based on ESI index and describe their characteristics, it is essential to utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) and multi-criteria analysis methods to manage all relevant information. The produced maps provide valuable support to stakeholders in coastal management of oil spills response. Furthermore, ESI is used for coastal area management and preservation, particularly in identifying ecologically valuable regions. There are plans to implement a real-time alarm system to visualize coastal areas sensitivity in terms of the ESI index, guiding pollution control in the coastal areas.