Enhancing Environmental Sensitivity and Vulnerability Assessments for Oil Spill Responses in the Caspian Sea

Berik Iskakov, Serik Nurakynov (), Jagriti Dabas, Zhumabek Zhantayev, Larissa Balakay, Tatyana Dedova, Alena Yelisseyeva and Nurmakhambet Sydyk
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Berik Iskakov: Institute of Ionosphere, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Serik Nurakynov: Institute of Ionosphere, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Jagriti Dabas: ARMS 4 AI, New Delhi 110001, India
Zhumabek Zhantayev: Institute of Ionosphere, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Larissa Balakay: Institute of Ionosphere, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Tatyana Dedova: Institute of Ionosphere, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Alena Yelisseyeva: Institute of Ionosphere, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Nurmakhambet Sydyk: Institute of Ionosphere, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-24

Abstract: Oil spills pose significant threats to marine and coastal ecosystems, necessitating advanced methodologies for environmental sensitivity and vulnerability assessments. This study enhances existing frameworks to better manage oil spill risks in the Caspian Sea, a region characterized by its ecological sensitivity and economic dependence on oil extraction. Utilizing the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI), we adapted global standards to the unique conditions of the Caspian Sea and built a sensitivity map of the coastline, which later became one of the components of the integral sensitivity map for the entire Caspian Sea, which includes several biotic and abiotic components. We also developed a comprehensive geodatabase incorporating topographic, infrastructural, and hydrodynamic data. Through the sophisticated modeling of oil spill scenarios using the Oil Spill model of the MIKE 21 software (Release 2016) suite, we simulated spills of varying magnitudes to analyze their potential impacts on the marine and coastal environment. The results enabled the creation of vulnerability maps, pinpointing areas at highest risk and facilitating strategic response planning. Our study demonstrates the critical importance of integrating advanced geospatial analyses and dynamic modeling techniques to improve oil spill preparedness and response strategies. The findings of this study suggest that enhanced monitoring and adaptive management strategies are essential for protecting the Caspian Sea from environmental risks posed by its oil industry.

Keywords: Caspian Sea; sensitivity; vulnerability; oil spill; modeling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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