Entanglement of Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) in man-made debris at Signy Island, South Orkney Islands, 2003/04

The results of the eighth annual survey of entanglement of Antarctic fur seals at Signy Island, South Orkney Islands are reported for the 2003/2004 summer season. There were no sightings of seals wearing neck collars of man-made debris. Data are compared with results from a parallel study undertaken at Bird Island, South Georgia in 2003/04. In the case of Bird Island, data indicated that the number of entangled fur seals had decreased by 31% compared to the previous year, this being the lowest number recorded at Bird island between the austral summers of 1988/89 and 2003/04. Although such a decrease is encouraging, the number of seals with neck collars at Bird Island, 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.