Using high spatial resolution satellite imagery (PlanetScope) to count moored marine vessels in desolation sound marine provincial park

This study aims to assess the applicability of using high spatial resolution spaceborne imageries (PlanetScope with a 3-meter-pixel size) to monitor the number of marine vessels moored nearshore in Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada during the summer and early fall of 2022. The purpose of this study is to understand the number of vessels moored near eelgrass habitat, a critical plant species in the park threatened by boating activities. Twelve trap cameras were set up to capture marine vessel activities during the summer, and filtering and manual counting were conducted to ensure the absolute accuracy of the data. Comparisons are made between the marine vessel counts from trap cameras and satellite imagery for each day throughout the period of study. The results indicate that the use of high spatial resolution spaceborne imageries to monitor the number of marine vessels is applicable and demonstrates 100% accuracy in the range of five undercounts or overcounts. However, during the peak boating season, precision fluctuates due to undercounts, which happen more frequently than precise count or overcounts. Further studies are recommended by ensuring the functionality and increasing the coverage area of trap cameras. Spaceborne imageries with higher-resolution can also be used if cost is not a concern.