CCAMLR

This report describes and quantifies occurrences of fishing gear, marine debris and oil associated with seabirds at Bird Island, South Georgia during the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002. It is the ninth such annual report. Fewer hooks and other longline fishery discards were recorded in association with wandering albatrosses compared to last year, but the number of items (63) remains well above the mean since annual recording began. The number of items of fishing gear associated with grey-headed (12) and black-browed albatrosses (9) was the highest on record for both species, though small by comparison with wandering albatross. Northern and southern giant petrels were observed with ingested fishing line protruding from the bill. Fishing gear associated with white-chinned petrel (longline hook) and snowy sheathbill (synthetic rope) was recorded for the first time in the study. More marine debris was found in association with wandering albatrosses (largely food wrappers and plastic bags) and grey-headed albatrosses (mostly small plastic fragments) than in any previous year. Small quantities of marine debris ingested by black-browed albatrosses, giant petrels, brown skuas and Antarctic prions were also recorded. One black-browed albatross with some oil on its plumage was observed. The evidence of many seabird interactions with longline fishing is of particular concern, and suggests that discarding of offal complete with hooks and line is still occurring on a large scale.

The results of the sixth annual survey of entanglement of Antarctic fur seals at Signy Island, South Orkney Islands are reported for the 2001/2002 summer season. There was a single sighting of a seal wearing a neck collar of man-made debris. Data are compared with results from a parallel study undertaken at Bird Island, South Georgia in 2001/02. In contrast to Signy Island, these indicated that the number of entangled fur seals had increased by 118% compared to the previous year, this being the highest number recorded at Bird island since1992/93. With the presence of the entangled seal at Signy, together with the considerable number of seals with neck collars at Bird Island, this highlights the need for CCAMLR members to continue their campaign to ensure that vessels are aware of and comply with regulations prohibiting the disposal of man-made debris at sea.

During the 2001/2002 austral summer the twelth annual beach debris survey was carried out at Signy Island, South Orkney Islands. Debris was cleared each month between December and March from three study beaches. The debris was counted, measured and classified by type, mass and size categories. A total of 39 items weighing 25.47kg were collected. The number of items found was the largest since 1999/00 and the total mass of the waste recovered was the highest recorded since 1994/95 (an increase of 59% by number and 97% by mass since 2000/01). There was an increase in the number of plastic packaging bands (eight) from the total recorded the previous season (1), a change in what has otherwise been a declining trend since 1993/94. Plastic waste was predominant, as in previous seasons, making up71% of all items recorded, followed by wood ( 23%). Classifying the waste by source revealed that almost all had originated from ships or fishing vessels, with only one item having come from the Signy Research Station. However, with the exception of 1998/99, this has been the first season that the quantity of waste recorded at Signy Island has shown a reverse in what has otherwise been a declining trend since 1993/94. This increase clearly shows that the longevity of plastics and other materials with a high resistence to degradation in the marine environment remains a problem and highlights the need for continued monitoring to ensure that vessels are aware of, and comply with, regulations prohibiting the disposal of debris at sea.

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.