Assessment of physical sensitivity of coastal fringe of Miankale Wetland based on Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI)

Miankale coastal area is located in southeastern part of Caspian Sea. The area, which contains GorganGulf and Miankale Wetland, is recorded as an international wetland in Ramsar Convention. It has high potential for tourism activities. Moreover, the increasing trend of economic development, especially oil activities in adjacent countries reveals the necessity of management and conservation of these coasts. The aim of this study is management of the coastal area by applying NOAA models and Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI). Physical sensitivity division of coasts has been done based on field surveys and using satellite images and Geographical Information System (GIS). The assessment of physical factors including wave energy, slope and bed substance in the region under study showed that the western parts of Miankale coasts are categorized in the forth class of NOAA classification and the central part of these coasts is regarded in 9B class. Gomishan, Khajeh Nafas, Chalasht and Gorgan Gulf2 are classified as 10D according to NOAA classification. The results of this study indicated that not only physical diversity, including geomorphologic characteristics and the bed substrate of these coasts, is low but also there are sensitive biological resources in the region. For these reasons, if oil pollution occurs, pollutants may remain in coastal areas for a long time. Therefore, more attention should be paid to manage the coastal areas in this region.