CCAMLR

Results of the survey of entanglements of Antarctic fur seals at Bird Island, South Georgia for the twelfth consecutive winter (2001) and fourteenth consecutive summer (2001/02) are reported here. The overall number of entanglements showed an increase from recent years, with 20 entanglements reported over winter and 48 during the summer breeding period. The number of winter entanglements was same as last year, however the summer entanglements were up 118%. Severe injuries accounted for 30% of entanglements over winter and 23% during the summer. As in previous years, most individuals observed entangled in debris were juveniles (95% of winter and 52% of summer observations), several pups were recorded entangled during the pup-rearing period suggesting an increased presence of man-made debris in the waters in the immediate vicinity of Bird Island. Of those entanglements where the animal could be sexed, males dominated the observations in winter but females dominated the summer observations, the reasons for this are discussed. Plastic packaging bands and synthetic strings accounted for the majority of all entanglements in both winter and summer. Loops of synthetic string, as used in longline fishing, is now the most frequently recorded entangling material, whilst numbers of entanglements involving plastic packaging band are comparable with those before the CCAMLR measures to control their use. This 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 eleventh year of standardised beach surveys of man-made debris at Bird Island, South Georgia, a total of 290 items were collected. This represents a 33.3% decrease on the total of 408 items recorded in 1999/00 and the lowest levels of summer beach debris (147 items) since the 1994/95 season. The difference between the number of items collected in the summer and winter months is the lowest since reporting began, with only 4 items more collected in the summer than in the winter. Nylon line, and associated fishing gear, accounted for the majority of marine debris (51% of the total), but to a lesser extent than in previous years, whilst miscellaneous debris accounted for almost as great a proportion of all debris (45%). Marine debris remains a cause for concern, and the survey results for this period indicate that continued monitoring and CCAMLR effort is required to further decrease levels, and ensure compliance with the correct waste disposal procedures for both domestic and fishing-related waste.

A proposal is submitted to suggest modifications to the boundaries of Division 58.5.2 and the creation of a new Division 58.5.3. The modified or new Divisions reflect more accurately the distribution of management units for toothfish in the region within and adjacent to the Convention Area.

The FAO is coordinating the development of a Fisheries Resources Monitoring System for the global dissemination of information on fisheries. This document outlines present collaboration and proposed future collaboration between CCAMLR and FAO on this project.