GIS Applications for Oil Spill Prevention and Response in California

Author: Judd Muskat
Organization: Office of Spill Prevention and Response

P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
USA

Phone: (916) 324-3411
Fax: (916) 324-8829
jmuskat@dfg.ca.gov

The Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) is within the Department of Fish and Game (DFG). DFG is the lead State agency charged with oil spill prevention and response within California's marine environment. The OSPR administrator has substantial authority to direct spill response, cleanup, and natural resource damage assessment activities. GIS applications include resource assessment, contingency planning, data integration, and analysis. This paper will show how GIS technology is applied as a tool for oil spill preparedness, during an emergency response, and as an aid for quantifying natural resource damage.