Context-dependent changes in maritime traffic activity during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic
Loveridge, A.; Elvidge, C.D.; Kroodsma, D.A.; White, T.D.; Evans, K.; Kato, A.; Ropert-Coudert, Y.; Sommerfeld, J.; Takahashi, A.; Patchett, R.; Robira, B.; Rutz, C.; Sims, D.W. (2024). Context-dependent changes in maritime traffic activity during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Global Environ. Change 84: 102773. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2023.102773
In: Global Environmental Change. Elsevier: Guildford. ISSN 0959-3780; e-ISSN 1872-9495, more
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| Keyword |
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| Author keywords |
Human Mobility; Maritime Traffic; COVID-19; Shipping; Fishing; Blue economy |
| Authors | | Top |
- Loveridge, A.
- Elvidge, C.D.
- Kroodsma, D.A.
- White, T.D.
- Evans, K.
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- Kato, A.
- Ropert-Coudert, Y.
- Sommerfeld, J.
- Takahashi, A.
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- Patchett, R.
- Robira, B.
- Rutz, C.
- Sims, D.W.
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| Abstract |
Rapid implementation of human mobility restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reduced maritime activity in early 2020. But where and when activity rebounded, or remained low, during the full extent of 2020 restrictions remains unclear. Using global high-resolution datasets, we reveal a surprising degree of complexity in maritime activity patterns during 2020, yielding a more nuanced picture of how restrictions affected activity. Overall, shipping activity in Exclusive Economic Zones decreased (1.35 %), as expected, however high-seas activity increased (0.28 %). While these annual changes appear modest, there were striking spatially and temporally asynchronous variations in different vessel types’ activity in the second half of 2020, ranging from an > 80 % sustained reduction in passenger vessel activity to a 150 % increase in fishing activity. Results suggest systems-level responses were highly context-dependent, pinpointing areas that experienced significant reductions and spikes in activity, and providing hitherto missing details of COVID-19 impacts on economic and environmental sustainability. |
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