Subtle impacts of marine vessel traffic on ocean wildlife inform conservation and management

Global maritime vessel traffic and their impacts on the marine ecosystem are expanding rapidly. My thesis investigated the relationship between vessel traffic and marine wildlife at a coastal port in Western Australia and in global marine protected areas (MPAs). My thesis highlights the importance of considering vessel traffic in marine spatial planning and provides a benchmark of vessel activity associated with marine wildlife. My thesis provides insights into the relationship between vessel traffic and marine wildlife although the results were statistically subtle. Continued monitoring of vessel traffic and its impact on marine wildlife, particularly within MPAs, is needed.