Use of ship traffic density from Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) in marine spatial planning: a case study in New England coast, USA

Analyzing current and anticipated uses of ocean and coastal areas based on scientific understanding and information is quite critical to achieve a successful Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). One of key elements in ocean and coastal use is navigation and thus vessel traffic density should be included as part of MSP. One of emerging techniques to quantify ship traffic density is to analyze Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data for a designated area. This study presents a case study conducted in New England area, USA, where the ship traffic density was estimated by analyzing AIS/VMS data. The results of ship traffic density were used in MSP (e.g., Northeast Ocean Data Portal), which were later used by one of stake holders, U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management when they issued wind lease blocks in outer continental shelf off Massachusetts.