Metadata detail: Focus Area for Policy SAF_01b for Shipping

Identification

Title

Focus Area for Policy SAF_01b for Shipping

Abstract

This layer shows the focus area (i.e. the areas which are most significant for sector activity) for policy SAF_01b for shipping activity, which applies at the date of the publication of the Marine planning technical statement: safeguarding policy for ports and shipping.

The focus area is derived from data on vessel movement density and areas relating to shipping activity, outside of Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) boundaries. Data on shipping density was extracted from Automatic Information System (AIS) data. The focus area is based on a threshold of at least 600 vessel transits per 1km² hexagonal cell per annum. Although below the threshold, the route from Milford Haven to Falmouth was also included in the focus area.

Small, isolated areas (< 1km²) of apparent shipping activity were removed from the focus area. As SHAs are safeguarded under SAF_01a, shipping activity within SHA boundaries was also removed from the focus area. Focus area boundaries were simplified to ensure that the main shipping areas are represented whilst allowing us to define a clear area.

Data on shipping-related area was derived from UK Hydrographic Office, OceanWise and Natural Resource Wales datasets, and includes anchorages, pilot boarding areas, navigation dredging and disposal areas, and traffic separation schemes. These datasets can be viewed on the Wales Marine Planning Portal, under the Sectors category, then Ports & Shipping subcategory.

Licence