Ship incident risk in the areas of Tubbataha and Banc d'Arguin: A case for designation as Particular Sensitive Sea Area?

Research confirms that ship incident risk has increased significantly near the Banc d'Arguin National Park (Mauritania) and Tubbataha Reef National Park (Philippines), supporting their potential designation as Particular Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSA) under the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The study employed an integrated framework combining comprehensive data to estimate total risk exposure from shipping activities, revealing a rising trend in risk measures for vessels operating in or near West Africa and Southeast Asia. This finding underscores the need for heightened protection for these ecologically vital UNESCO sites, which are vulnerable to growing maritime traffic.

Knapp, S., Heij, C., Henderson, R., & Kleverlaan, E. (2013). Ship incident risk in the areas of Tubbataha and Banc d'Arguin: A case for designation as Particular Sensitive Sea Area? Econometric Institute. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.3781.6480