Shoreline sensitivity to oil spills, the Mediterranean coast of Israel: Assessment and analysis
Abstract This study, which was carried out during 1999–2002, deals with the identification of the environmental sensitivity of the Mediterranean coastline of Israel to marine oil spills. It includes GIS sensitivity mapping and an analysis of the environmental vulnerability of Israel's shoreline resources. The study analyses the main sources of risk for maritime accidents in the southeastern Mediterranean and develops scenarios for possible oil spills incidents, including an analysis of the priorities for protection of the various coastal ecosystems, in an event of a large spill. It describes the morphology of the coastline of Israel, as well as the main hydrographic and meteorological patterns that dominate and control the dynamics of the shorelines, and of potential major oil spills. The study also discusses the different ways in which oil spills may affect natural ecosystems and socio-economic resources along the coastline of Israel. The basic research question of the study was how different geomorphic and land-use types of the Mediterranean shoreline would be affected by large quantities of spilled oil washing ashore from the sea. The study aims at determining the relative sensitivity of different types of shoreline and ‘prioritizing’ the different types of shoreline and coastal resources to be protected following a large oil spill. The study also aims at presenting the data collected and analyzed to both the scientific and environmental communities, and to the operational national authorities responsible for oil spill preparedness and response, in a clear and useful way. One of the main conclusions of the study is that generally, the sensitivity of the Israeli Mediterranean coastline to oil spills could be considered moderate, compared with other fragile ecosystems. This is mainly because of the morphology of the sandy beaches and the high exposure of most types of beaches to energetic natural cleanup processes. Still, along the southeastern Mediterranean coastline there are ecosystems, habitats, shoreline types and coastal resources that are sensitive to oil spills.
Assessment of the sensitivity of sandy coasts of the south–eastern part of the Baltic to oil spills
The sandy coasts of the south-eastern Baltic Sea are the unique landscape along the shores of Poland, Kaliningrad Oblast (Russia), Lithuania and Latvia. Flat sandy beaches, protective dune ridges and near shore sandy spits are very valuable and attractive resources for human recreation and valuable habitat for wildlife. Intensifying shipping, operation of oil terminals and offshore platforms poses a constant threat not only to coastal and socio-economic resources, but also to sensitive underwater landscapes of marine areas and vulnerable marine habitats. Analysis of environmental sensitivity proved to be an effective tool for national and regional oil spill response planning. However, in order to complete the precise evaluation of near shore and coastal zone sensitivity to possible oil spills there is a need to identify vulnerable coastal sectors and complete detailed mapping of underwater landscapes. This is achieved by developing an integrated methodology for analysis of valuable coastal zone sensitivity to potential oil spills.
Proliferative kidney disease: first reported outbreak in North America
Abstract. Proliferative kidney disease (PKD) was diagnosed in rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, at the Hagerman, Idaho, State Fish Hatchery. Wild fish from Riley Creek, one of the hatchery water supplies, were infected with PKD organisms. Clinical signs, gross pathology and histopathology of affected fish were typical of those reported for PKD in salmonids from European hatcheries. In addition to lesions normally seen, we observed a severe vasculitis and occlusion of renal and hepatic vessels. Ultrastructure of the PKD organism and possible inclusion body production sites are described. The disease outbreak was complicated by the presence of other infectious diseases. This is the first recorded outbreak of PKD in North America.