Federal Mapping Tool Expanded to Arctic

ERMA brings together all of the available information needed for an effective emergency response in the Arctic. In an emergency situation, ERMA is equipped with near real-time oceanographic observations and weather data from NOAA, and critical environmental, commercial, and industrial data information from BSEE, and numerous other federal and state response agencies. Responders can further customise the tool with environmental, logistical, and operational data such as fishery closure areas, resources at risk maps, and mariner notices, depending on the need.

Integrating and synthesising real-time and static data into a single interactive map, ERMA provides a quick visualisation of the situation, improving communication and coordination among responders and stakeholders. NOAA developed Arctic ERMA to be better prepared for escalating energy exploration and transportation activity in the region.

The Alaska Ocean Observing System, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the University of New Hampshire, as well as Alaska’s Arctic boroughs, are working with NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration to keep this database current. Data includes the traditional and local knowledge of cultural and subsistence resources. They also include observations of the extent and concentration of sea ice, locations of ports and pipelines, and vulnerable environmental resources. Information in Arctic ERMA is pulled from many innovative and current sources, including data provided through a recent Memorandum of Agreement with Shell, Conoco-Phillips and Statoil USA that calls for the sharing of  physical and biological data in the Arctic, as well as information gained during the August 2012 hydrographic survey cruise by the NOAA Ship Fairweather.

In addition to local and natural resource information, BSEE has contributed improved access to key environmental, commercial, and industrial data sources throughout lease areas in the Arctic. BSEE and other organisations will optimise real-time sensors to feed the data directly into ERMA during both potential oil releases and hazmat spill drills.

ERMA is frequently used as a planning and management tool in spill drills and trainings. Most recently, Arctic ERMA was used by NOAA, BSEE, and the U.S. Coast Guard during a Chukchi Sea oil spill drill.

Arctic ERMA is a product of a partnership among NOAA, BSEE, Oil Spill Recovery Institute and the University of New Hampshire. ERMA is currently available for eight geographic regions—Gulf of Mexico, New England, Atlantic, Caribbean, Southwest, Pacific Islands, Pacific Northwest, and Arctic.

Thank you for our comment and addition. The NOAAS FA mission indeed goes through the Bering Street however further north - http://bit.ly/O0UaIo and on the NOAA website this is illustrated with a more detailed map: http://1.usa.gov/O0U57z. NOAA calls this 'Arctic'. Joost Boers - 06/08/2012 - 11:21

Article falsly states NOAAS FA was in Arctic this month. Currently in the Bering Sea. Was in the Arctic on prior years. Moco - 02/08/2012 - 22:53