Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

Tracking the global reduction of marine traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic
March, D.; Metcalfe, K.; Tintoré, J.; Godley, B.J. (2021). Tracking the global reduction of marine traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nature Comm. 12(1): 2415. https://hdl.handle.net/10.1038/s41467-021-22423-6
In: Nature Communications. Nature Publishing Group: London. ISSN 2041-1723; e-ISSN 2041-1723, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keyword
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • March, D.
  • Metcalfe, K.
  • Tintoré, J.
  • Godley, B.J., more

Abstract
    The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unparalleled global impacts on human mobility. In the ocean, ship-based activities are thought to have been impacted due to severe restrictions on human movements and changes in consumption. Here, we quantify and map global change in marine traffic during the first half of 2020. There were decreases in 70.2% of Exclusive Economic Zones but changes varied spatially and temporally in alignment with confinement measures. Global declines peaked in April, with a reduction in traffic occupancy of 1.4% and decreases found across 54.8% of the sampling units. Passenger vessels presented more marked and longer lasting decreases. A regional assessment in the Western Mediterranean Sea gave further insights regarding the pace of recovery and long-term changes. Our approach provides guidance for large-scale monitoring of the progress and potential effects of COVID-19 on vessel traffic that may subsequently influence the blue economy and ocean health.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors