Population and Economic Activity

Density of Marine Traffic

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Pattern of marine traffic movements on the B.C. coast in 2003.

Marine traffic volume and movements along the B.C. coast have remained relatively constant over the past decade. The intensity of traffic reflects the economic importance of B.C. ports.

The map shows the areas of most marine traffic. This is where risks of environmental impacts of shipping, such as noise disturbance or emission of pollutants is likely to be highest. Movement of international shipping traffic carries the risk of introducing alien species on ship hulls or in ballast water.

Photo credit: BC Ministry of Transportation

Marine traffic patterns on the B.C. coast:

• The greatest vessel traffic is in the Victoria, Vancouver, and Strait of Juan de Fuca Vessel Traffic Services zones. With the planned expansion of the port at Prince Rupert, shipping along the north coast is expected to increase.

• There is considerable shipping activity through the Inside Passage, Hecate Strait, and west coasts of Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands, but less than on southern routes.

• 56% of vessel movements were passenger ships, including ferries and cruise ships, while 29% were tug boats moving barges.

For detailed information, including graph data, see In-Depth report.

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