Prevention of hydrocarbons sea pollution: Sensitivity Index Maps for the Venice Lagoon as integral component of oil-spill contingency planning and response

In Italy the international regulations governing the transport of dangerous liquids by sea are strictly enforced and there are specific sets of safety rules for each port. Oil-spill risk management procedures could be further improved by the application of Environmental Sensitivity Index mapping principles to the assessment of coastal vulnerability. The aim of this project is the development of an Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) for the Venice Lagoon and the creation of Sensitivity Maps using GIS technologies.