Entanglement of Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus gazella in man-made debris at Signy Island, South Orkney Islands 2001/02

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.