CCAMLR

Beach debris surveys conducted at the South African Prince Edward Islands are reported for the years 1993/1994 and 1994/1995, the latter period following the CCAMLR standard method for surveys of beached debris within the Convention area. Most non-wooden artefacts were plastic. Fishing floats and other fishing gear formed a variable proportion of the items surveyed. Artefacts that could be identified as to origin were South American, Asian or locally derived from the meteorological station on Marion Island. It is recommended that the use of expanded plastic foams and plastic strapping as packaging material at Marion Island be discontinued. A comparison of annual accumulation rates will become possible after the 1995/96 survey is completed.

The fourth year of survey of beach debris at Main Bay, Bird Island reported a 20% decrease in overall debris levels (225 items in 1993/94 compared with 280 items reported in 1992/93). Debris accumulated throughout the summer accounted for only 16% of the total (a similar proportion to that in 1992/93). Of the winter debris, 60% occurred in September, following severe gales. Nylon line, comprising 77% of debris, was mainly identical to material used in the long-line fishery, as indicated by sections of long-line washed ashore. Packing bands formed only 4% of debris and were found from June onwards, coinciding with fishing activity in the South Georgia area. All polypropylene packing bands found had been cut.