Entanglement of Antarctic fur seals in man-made debris at Bird Island, South Georgia

The incidence of entanglement of Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) in Man-made debris at Bird Island, South Georgia, was monitored throughout the austral winter and summer of 1991 as part of an on-going study by the British Antarctic Survey. Only seven seals were observed entangled during the winter months (April - October) while 48 were sighted during the pup-rearing period (November - March). Entanglement during the winter months was comparable to that during 1991 (7). While the incidence of entanglement during the pup-rearing period was slightly higher than in the previous year (48 compared to 30), it was substantially lower than during the 1988/89 and 1989/90 seasons (190 and 156, respectively). Polypropylene straps (44%), of the type used in packaging bands, and fishing net fragments (27%) were the most common item found on seals. These proportions are similar to those reported in previous years.