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Characteristics of marine debris that entangle Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) in southern Australia
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 07:52 authored by Lawson, TJ, Chris Wilcox, Johns, K, Dann, P, Britta HardestyMarine debris is a global issue that can have devastating impacts on marine mammals. To understand the types of materials that result in entanglement and thus the potential impact of entangling items on marine wildlife, we analysed data collected from items in which Australian fur seals had been entangled in southern Victoria, Australia over a 15. year period. From 1997 to 2012, 138 entangling items were removed from seals. The majority of these entanglements were plastic twine or rope, and seals were entangled in green items more than in any other colour. In general, younger seals were more likely to be entangled than adults. Understanding the effects of marine debris entanglement on the Australian fur seal population can lead to more effective management of the sources of debris and the wildlife that interact with it.
History
Publication title
Marine Pollution BulletinVolume
98Issue
1-2Pagination
354-357ISSN
0025-326XDepartment/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesPublisher
Pergamon-Elsevier Science LtdPlace of publication
The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England, Ox5 1GbRights statement
?Copyright 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.Repository Status
- Restricted