Methodology:

Data collection comprised surveying three beaches at Signy Island: Cummings Cove (beach length = 395 m), Starfish Cove (beach length = 584 m) and Foca Cove (beach length = 331 m). Data collection at Foca Cove and Starfish Cove started in 1991 and from 1994 onwards was expanded to include Cummings Cove. Surveys were carried out at each location once per month during the austral summer period, i.e. up to six times (between November and April) per season. All surveys were undertaken following CCAMLR protocols for surveys of beached marine debris. Each survey took place on a single tide and, where possible, was carried out at low water. During the survey all debris items of more than 5 mm in largest dimension found between the low water mark and approximately 10 m beyond the high water mark were collected. Mass was recorded for all years. Small items were weighed to a precision of 0.1 g and heavier items (> 100 g) to the nearest gramme. All items were categorised as fabric, glass, metal, paper, rubber, wood or plastic, with plastic items further subdivided into fishery, consumer and miscellaneous items.

The sizes were categorised as follows:

S (small) < 2.5cm

M (medium) 2.5 - 10cm

L (large) > 10cm to 1m

VL (very large) > 1m

Data collection:

Instruments used include: a balance, tape measure, camera and rubber gloves

Data quality:

Instances when no debris was found, or surveys weren't possible (e.g. due to sea ice cover restricting access to beaches) are recorded in the metadata.

Since 1996, the station at Signy Island has been closed over the austral winter.