VPS.sensi
N Sensitivity Mapping North Sea 2003 - 2007: Partners, Objectives Concepts Data Retrieval Evaluation Model VPS.sensi
in
VPS.system
O Sensitivity Mapping Baltic Sea 2001 - 2003: Partners, Objectives Concepts Data Retrieval Evaluation Model
Sensitivity Mapping North Sea: Data Retrieval  
The sensitivity of a particular area to oil contamination depends largely upon the physical characteristics of the habitat, the susceptibilities of individual species (at various life stages) and their ecological properties within the communities. Hence, the fieldwork conducted for habitat mapping during 2003–2006 was a central part of the study. For this work, the experiences and results obtained from the previous GKSS-project “Thematic mapping and sensitivity study of Intertidal flats” during the years 1987–1992 served as an valuable basis. For example, the documentation of changes between these periods of observation provides information on stability features of the ecosystems. During the first project, nearly 5,000 locations were processed and characterised using about 70 parameters for each site.

Biologic-sedimentologic reviews in the wadden sea 1970 to 2004

The in-situ mapping was a combination of estimated and measured values, collected along a grid network of locations with 1-km intervals. The estimated values, including biotic and abiotic parameters, were documented using a standardised protocol (“record sheet”). They comprised, for example, information on the presence of micro- and macroalgae, surface structure (i.e., ripple, colour) and sediment characteristics. The measured values included grain size, shear strength, water content of sediments, as well as the macrofauna species present.

The spatial distribution of the sensitivity of tidal flat areas was combined with data on salt marsh distribution and the presence of seagrass and mussel beds. These additional data were integrated using the monitoring results of the national park authorities of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg.
 
 
Calibration of  habitat mapping data with monitoring data (blue mussel - red and seaweed - yellow)  

The temporal aspects of this sensitivity was also calculated using the monitoring data of breeding and migratory birds which are compiled yearly by these authorities.
 
 
Classification of vegetation by remote sensing