Assessment of ecological stress caused by maritime vessels based on a comprehensive model using AIS data: Case study of the Bohai Sea, China. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Baijing; Wu, Xiaoqing; Liu, Xin; Gong, Meng
• Is Part Of: Ecological indicators. Volume 126(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Impact -- Framework -- Ecosystem -- Stressor -- Management; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environmental impact analysis -- Periodicals; Environmental risk assessment -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; 333.71405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.107592
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-160X

Abstract

Highlights: A "source-pathway-carrier-impact-response" (SPCIR) model was constructed. The proposed method is the first to assess the ecological stress caused by vessels. Response index is a crucial parameter for pinpointing key management areas. The SPCIR model can be applied to identify marine ecological stress and the stressor. This study contributes to more effective marine area management decision-making. Abstract: Increased maritime vessel activity has adversely affected the conservation of marine environments. The mobility and diverse operations of vessels increase the difficulty of marine spatial planning and protected-area management. This study proposed a "source-pathway-carrier-impact-response" (SPCIR) model to describe marine ecological stress caused by vessels (VES) and constructed a comprehensive assessment index system. The method was applied to the Bohai Sea in China using automatic identification system (AIS) data and geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis. The results showed an obvious increase in VES from 2014 to 2018, with noise pollution, light pollution, and hydrodynamic interaction being the most prominent. Cargo vessels and oil tankers were the main stressors. Vessel activity seriously affected agriculture and fishery functions as well as marine-reserved zones in the Bohai Sea. The proposed SPCIR model can effectively identify the level and spatiotemporal characteristics of various vessel-related impacts and efficiently determine management priorities. It can provide a theoretical basis for marine area management and be conveniently adopted by management departments in various regions.