The Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA®) is an online mapping tool that integrates both static and real-time data, such as Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps, ship locations, weather, and ocean currents, in a centralized, easy-to-use format for environmental responders and natural resource decision makers.

ERMA enables a user to quickly and securely upload, analyze, export, and display spatial data in a Geographic Information System (GIS) map. Developed by NOAA and the University of New Hampshire with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Department of the Interior.

ERMA provides environmental resource managers with the data necessary to make informed decisions for environmental response, damage assessment and recovery/ restoration.

ERMA is designed to:

• Visualize information relevant to spill preparedness and planning.
• Assist in coordinating emergency response efforts and situational awareness for human and natural disasters.
• Support the Natural Resource Damage Assessment process.
• Aid in ecological recovery and restoration efforts.
• Make large amounts of environmental data publicly accessible in a common operating picture to further the advancement of science and promote transparency and data sharing.

How do I access ERMA?

ERMA is broken up into eight ERMA Regional sites covering the navigable waters of the United States and its territories. ERMA sites have secure-access accounts for some information that is non-public (for example, active incident response data), however the majority of data is publicly available and openly accessible for all regions.

Click on the map below to explore the eight regions in ERMA.

For more information about ERMA please contactorr.erma@noaa.gov.

ERMA User Guide: Learn how to use ERMA by downloading the basic user guide. [PDF, 5.98 MB]

ERMA Tutorial Videos: Videos are also available. [Link to ERMA Help Page]