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Tracking the global reduction of marine traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • David March

    (University of Exeter
    University of Exeter)

  • Kristian Metcalfe

    (University of Exeter)

  • Joaquin Tintoré

    (ICTS SOCIB – Balearic Islands Coastal Observing and Forecasting System
    IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Mediterranean Institute of Advanced Studies)

  • Brendan J. Godley

    (University of Exeter)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • David March & Kristian Metcalfe & Joaquin Tintoré & Brendan J. Godley, 2021. "Tracking the global reduction of marine traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-22423-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22423-6
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    Cited by:

    1. Dirzka, Christopher & Acciaro, Michele, 2022. "Global shipping network dynamics during the COVID-19 pandemic's initial phases," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    2. Yan, Zhaojin & Yang, Guanghao & He, Rong & Yang, Hui & Ci, Hui, 2023. "“Ship-port-country” multi-dimensional research on the fine analysis of China's LNG trade," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    3. Aaron Gold & Anup Phayal & Brandon Prins, 2023. "The unexpected consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on maritime crime: Evidence from Indonesia and Nigeria," International Area Studies Review, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, vol. 26(1), pages 7-23, March.
    4. Xueke Li & Amanda H. Lynch, 2023. "New insights into projected Arctic sea road: operational risks, economic values, and policy implications," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 176(4), pages 1-16, April.
    5. Ulla Tapaninen & Riina Palu, 2022. "Recovery of ro-pax ferry traffic from covid-19 under tightening environmental regulations: case Helsinki-Tallinn," Journal of Shipping and Trade, Springer, vol. 7(1), pages 1-17, December.
    6. Wei Luo & Siyuan Kang & Sheng Hu & Lixian Su & Rui Dai, 2023. "Dual Effects of the US-China Trade War and COVID-19 on United States Imports: Transfer of China's industrial chain?," Papers 2309.02271, arXiv.org.
    7. Papafitsoros, Kostas & Adam, Lukáš & Schofield, Gail, 2023. "A social media-based framework for quantifying temporal changes to wildlife viewing intensity," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 476(C).
    8. Jing Liang & Tianlun Dai & Shuai Sun, 2022. "Analysis of the impact of public health emergencies on the dry bulk shipping market," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(4), pages 1-21, April.

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