Before field work, available literature, aerial photographs, maps, 

 charts, biological keys, and tidal data are collected and analyzed. Field 

 work begins with an aerial reconnaissance of the study site flown at low tide. 

 Observations are recorded verbally on tape and photographically with a 35 mm 

 camera. A sampling interval is selected on the basis of geomorphic and 

 habitat variability, and the desired detail of the study. Areas of particular 

 economic or ecologic importance are selected for further study. Each sampling 

 station includes a beach topographic profile, three equally spaced sediment 

 samples, a hand drawn sketch (to force inspection of all aspects of the areas), 

 and photographs from various angles. Primary producers, dominant consumers, 

 and standing stock biomass are assessed. Typically, this includes census of 

 intertidal sedentary and' mobile macrofauna, and examination of sea grasses, 

 and algae. Ecologically or economically important species are studied in par- 

 ticular. If available, field data are compared and analyzed with respect to 

 other (e.g., Fish and Wildlife Service) data from the study site. 



During and after field work, the data are compiled and analyzed. Sedi- 

 ment samples are sieved and calculated for grain size and related statistical 

 parameters (Folk 1973). Biological data are analyzed by application of stan- 

 dard statistical techniques. 



After data compilation, the coast is divided into geomorphic divisions. 

 Habitats are superimposed onto these divisions. The last stage is the con- 

 struction of detailed maps (using USGS 7.5-foot or 15-foot topographic maps 

 as a basis) indicating the determined index value of each coastal environment. 

 Such features as areas of particular biological importance, major recreational 

 centers, access roads for cleanup equipment, and mooring points for booms also 

 are indicated. 



CONCLUSIONS 



The combination of the integrated zonal method and the oil spill vulner- 

 ability index presents a cohesive method of classifying shoreline environ- 

 ments as to potential damage from oil spills. A format of detailed maps in- 

 dicating index value, biologically sensitive and major recreational areas, 

 and access points for cleanup enables the OSC to make more rapid and respon- 

 sible decisions concerning the allocation of cleanup equipment. In addition 

 to prespill contingency planning, these methods also are applicable for post- 

 spill damage assessment. 



REFERENCES 



Baker, J.M. 1971. Successive spillages, pp. 21-32. I_n E.B. Cowell (ed.), The 

 ecological effects of oil pollution of littoral communities, symposium pro- 

 ceedings, Inst, of Petroleum, London. 



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