Environmental assessment of Pari Island towards oil spill using Geographic Information System (GIS): a preliminary study

Abstract

Major national and international ship traffic routes pass through the western part of Java Sea. Due to this reason, this area is vulnerable to oil spills from ships and offshore exploration. One of the most vulnerable areas to oil pollutant is the MPA (Marine Protected Area) of the Seribu Islands, particularly the region around Pari Island. The current study was part of IndoNACE (Indonesian seas Numerical Assessment of the Coastal Environment) project and aimed to assess the coastal vulnerability towards oil spill using a Geographic Information System (GIS). In this frame, a spatial analysis was conducted by overlaying coastline map, bathymetry map, and ecosystem distribution map. The overlay method was referred to the Environmental Sensitivity Index Guidelines created by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). The preliminary results showed that 38%, 24%, and 38% of Pari Island coastline were high, moderate, and low vulnerable towards oil spill pollution, respectively. The low and moderate vulnerable areas were located at the outer reef crest and inner lagoon. Meanwhile, the high vulnerable area was located at the vegetated shoreline which dominated by mangrove. Due to its biological value and its role in the environment, the vegetated area should receive priority protection against oil pollution.