CCAMLR

The number of entanglements in the fifteenth consecutive winter surveyed, decreased by 64% from last year. For the first time since records started in 1990, none of the injuries were classified as severe. The seventeenth consecutive summer (2004/05) of reporting also saw a decrease of 64% compared to last year; the lowest number of entanglements recorded since 1989. As in previous years, most individuals observed entangled in debris were juveniles (80% of winter and 50% of summer observations). Of the entanglements where the animal could be sexed, males made up the majority of both seasons. After the high numbers in the previous winterit was encouraging to see no observations of entanglements in plastic packaging bands. Fishing nets were observed to have caused entanglements in both the winterand the summer, this is after an absence of 3 years from the winter records and 2 years from the summer. These findings highlights the need for continued monitoring and increased effort in ensuring correct disposal of debris with the potential to entangle wildlife at sea.

During the fourteenth year of standardised beach surveys of man-made debris at Bird Island, South Georgia, a total of 361 items were collected between April 2003 and March 2004. This represents an increase of 97% on the 183 items recorded in 2002/03 and the highest levels of summer beach debris (232 items) since the 1999/00 season. The total weight of debris collected has also increased by 1.82 kg since last year to 5.39 kg. The highest proportion of marine debris collected comprised miscellaneous items; the largest annual amount of this type of debris since the surveys began in 1990. For the first time no nylon line was recorded compared to a peak of 546 items in 1995/96. However, 11 plastic packaging bands were recovered. Miscellaneous debris increased by 100% since last year (from 175 to 350 pieces), indicating that debris is still being lost by vessels into the marine environment. Therefore, all marine vessels operating in the region should continue to make efforts to comply with the correct waste disposal procedures.

This report describes and quantifies occurrences of fishing gear, marine debris and oil associated with seabirds at Bird Island, South Georgia from 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2005. It is the twelfth such annual report. As in previous years, more items of fishing gear (mostly longlining gear) were found in association with wandering albatrosses than with any other species, although the total number has decreased significantly over the past two seasons. Entanglements continue to be observed, hooks being typical of those used in the Patagonian Toothfish industry. Wandering albatrosses also collected the most number of marine debris, though again total quantity is significantly down on previous years. Numbers of debris and fishing gear associated with other species fell from the previous season. A high number of hydrocarbon and paint soiling events occurred, mostly around late March. Whilst the data indicate a reduction in fishing equipment and debris collected there are still significant effects from human/ avain interactions.

The current status of national surveys on monitoring of marine debris and their impact on marine mammals and seabirds in the Convention Area has been reviewed. The CCAMLR Marine Debris Database contains data from 12 sites, most within Area 48. South Africa submitted data on beached marine debris for the first time from Marion Island (Subarea 58.7). There are 4 sites that have data for more than 3 consecutive years (ranging from 5 to 16 years), these are: Cape Shirreff, (Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands); Bird Island, (South Georgia); Signy Island, (South Orkney Islands), and King George Island, (South Shetland Islands).
Marine debris, principally packaging items, fishing gear, and wood items, reached a peak in the period 1994-1996 at Bird Island and Signy Island, but have declined until recently. The number of debris items found has increased in the last season reported at Bird Island (2004), Signy Island (2005) and King George Island (2005). The majority of items found were packaging materials.
The level of marine debris found in Grey-headed albatross, Black-browed albatross and Wandering albatross colonies at Bird Island in 2005 has substantially declined from previous seasons. Fishing gear such as lines and hooks and miscellaneous broken plastics continue to form the major part of the debris associated with seabird colonies.
The number of Antarctic fur seal entanglements at Bird Island reached a peak in 1993 and has showed a general decline since, with the lowest levels on record being reported for the 2005 season. Packaging bands, synthetic string and longline fragments continue to be the main entangling materials. Seabirds were reported entangled at Bird Island for the first time. The number of seabirds contaminated with hydrocarbons remains low.