The EXXON VALDEZ grounding in 1989 served the response community with an abrupt reminder of the importance of preparedness for maritime incidents. As a result, such incidents would no longer be viewed as simply human or economic tragedies but also as environmental catastrophes. The October 12, 2000 attack on the USS COLE at its berth in Aden, Yemen and the attack on the French tanker LIMBURG off the coast of Yemen two years later made it clear that terrorists are aware of the vulnerability of ships and port targets and are capable of operating in the marine environment. Finally, the attacks on September 11, 2001 erased any notion that terrorism was limited to developing nations, Europe or the Middle East. In addition to their horrific toll on human life and property, terrorism-spawned events have environmental impacts that must be addressed in our response plans. These impacts may be the primary or secondary goal of the perpetrators, particularly where environmental attributes like marine resources are readily accessible, highly valued, and serve as a symbol of a nation's culture and prosperity. This paper is intended to suggest the concept of environmental response preparedness as a means of minimizing the impact of terrorism when the best laid plans and protective measures have been compromised. The authors also suggest that preparedness is, in itself, a form of deterrent to terrorist acts. Equally important, the paper promotes the use of terrorism scenarios in preparedness exercises and proposes a balanced approach to readiness that can be sustained for the long haul. The paper not only recognizes the value and applicability of “all event” response agencies and management systems but also illustrates some of the important differences and challenges the subject events introduce. Among the differences cited are: stakeholder composition; attention to crime scene investigations; secondary attack hazards; and the need for adherence to established safety procedures in the midst of high op-tempo and emotionally charged national emergencies. The topic is timely. It is special due to the magnitude and international significance of the consequences it discusses and the impetus it presents toward actively deterring terrorism's impact, effectiveness and likelihood. It is unique because it calls attention to the need for a change in focus through the established lens of interdisciplinary coordination among agencies and stakeholders that have mature and well-practiced response systems.

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