Aleutian Islands Risk Assessment Project Home

Updated:September 13, 2011 7:47

News/Highlights

Aleutian Islands

AIRA summary report cover
 

First Phase of the Aleutian Islands Risk Assessment Completed

The Management Team for the Aleutian Islands Risk Assessment has deemed the first Phase of the project complete with the release of their Phase A Summary Report (16MB PDF file) for the project.

The summary report synthesis’s a culmination of two years of research, discussions and recommendations for mitigating the risks posed by maritime traffic through the Aleutian Islands Region.

Phase A of the AIRA began in May 2009 with the establishment of an organization structure, which included an advisory panel. The Advisory Panel provided a structured stakeholder/participatory approach intended to build trust, clarify project values and goals, and provided local knowledge and maritime transportation expertise. Six accompanying reports were developed for this project, which are posted on the Project Documents Page of this website. Each report built upon the others to frame the current and future issues associated with identifying the risks posed by maritime activities in this region.

A key outcome from the project was the development of risk reduction options. The Advisory Panel developed recommendations that characterized risk reduction options into three categories: RRO recommended for immediate implementation; RRO recommended for Phase B study; and, RRO considered but set aside.

The guiding principles applied to RRO analysis were that prevention measures take priority over response measures and all measures should be realistic and practical.

The RROs found to be practicable for immediate implementation include:

  • Develop an enhanced vessel monitoring and reporting program
  • Enhance towing capabilities on Coast Guard cutters, and increase cutter presence in the Aleutians
  • Stage additional emergency towing systems in the Aleutians

Four RROs that require additional work or study in Phase B, prior to full implementation are:

  • Increase rescue tug capability in the Aleutians
  • Increase salvage and spill response capability in the Aleutians
  • Determine the boundaries of IMO Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas, and develop recommendations for associated protective measures
  • Strengthen the Aleutians Subarea Contingency Plan

The Advisory Panel’s recommendations are presented in this report to the decision makers in the U.S. Coast Guard, State of Alaska, and local governments. The decision as to which measures will be adopted ultimately rests with the decision makers.

Phase B of the Aleutian Islands Risk Assessment will be initiated by the Management Team in late 2011.

Add your name to our Distribution List for Project Updates

Email List

 


"));