Beach debris survey - Main Bay, Bird Island, South Georgia 1994/95

The fifth year of survey of beach debris at Main Bay, Bird Island reported a 3-fold increase in overall debris levels (725 items reported in 1994/95 compared with 225 items in 1993/94). Debris accumulated throughout the summer accounted for 33% of the total (three times the summer proportion in 1993/94). Of the 67% of debris occurring during the winter, 43 % occurred during July. Nylon line, comprising 80% of debris, was mainly identical to material used in the long-line fishery, as indicated by sections of long-line washed ashore. Packaging bands formed only 16% of debris and were found throughout the study period. Of the 16 plastic packing bands found, 2 (13%) were uncut.