International Science and Technology Journal

Risk assessment, one of the essential stages of risk management, involves the definition of the specific impacts of exposed objects and the probability of the occurrence of negative effects. A scientific and accurate risk assessment in terms of oil spills for prevention and readiness can help to better manage emergency plans and minimize economic damage. The main objective of this paper is to assess the risk of oil spills on the Western Libyan coast and determine the high-risk areas on the coast for response planning. The Environmental Sensitivity Index Tool was used as a methodology to summarize the potential sensitivity of the Western Libyan coastline, which was divided into various sectors Based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) sensitivity classification. In addition, an oil spill mathematical SL-ROSS model was used to predict the trajectory and fate of oil spills on the coast to assess the risks associated with oil spills in this area and to highlight the vulnerable areas to be a support tool for decision-making in future emergencies. Also, this paper presents a carried out Sensitivity Map for the Western Libyan Coastlines using the Geographic Information System (GIS). The findings of the oil risk assessment show that a great length of the shoreline (146.04 km, or around 40% of the Libyan coast) in the study area faces a high oil spill risk level, while 129.25 km of the shoreline (35% of the Libyan coast) faces a medium oil risk level. In addition, the shoreline of 90.18 km faces a low oil spill risk level, representing 25% of the whole shoreline. The study's findings aid decision-makers in devising preventive measures in the event of a spill near the Libyan coastline. Keywords: Oil spill risk assessment, Impact oil spill, Environmental Sensitivity Index, The western Libyan coast.