Entanglement of Antarctic fur seals Arctocephalus gazella in man made debris at Bird Island, South Georgia during the 1998 winter and 1998/99 pup-rearing season

Results of the survey of entanglements of Antarctic fur seals at Bird Island, South Georgia for the ninth consecutive winter (1998) and eleventh consecutive summer (1998/99) are reported here. The number of seals observed entangled in the winter (13) represented an 86 % increase on the 1997 winter total and an 87 % decrease on the highest previous total (1992). The proportion of animals showing severe injuries was 39 %, up threefold on the 1997 winter and the third highest total since records started. Two animals (15 % ) were entangled in polypropylene straps, down by 50 % on the 1997 winter and the second lowest level (with 1995) since records started. The number of seals observed entangled in the summer (24) was the fourth lowest total recorded, being 84 % more than the 1997/8 summer but 88 % less than the highest previous total (1988/89). The proportion of adult animals affected (8 %) was down by half on the previous summer and represents the lowest adult total recorded. The proportion of animals showing severe injuries (30 %) was a contrast to 1997/98 when none was noted. Entanglements in polypropylene straps was the third lowest recorded, up 29% on 1997/98 but 93% less than the highest total of 1988/89. Overall occurrence of entanglement in summer and winter is still down by 80-90 % in comparison to the early 1990's, with summer adult and net fragment incidences at their lowest since recording began. Polypropylene strap incidences have decreased slightly (35 %) since CCAMLR prohibition on their use (1994) but severity of entanglement was increased. Synthetic string incidence is at its highest level since recording began. This highlights the need for sustained monitoring and continuing publicity aimed at preventing the disposal of debris at sea.