Survey of Marine Debris on the Coasts of Argentina 

 (R.N. P. Goodall, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina) 



As described in Chapter VI, the Commission has played a 

 major role since the early 1980s in focusing domestic and 

 international efforts on assessing the extent and impact of 

 entanglement in marine debris, especially discarded fishing 

 gear, on marine mammals and to identify ways to reduce or 

 eliminate the problem. Little is known about the incidence 

 of marine debris in the Southern Hemisphere and no directed 

 effort has been undertaken along the Argentine or other coasts 

 of South America. The contractor is surveying selected beaches 

 in Argentina to determine the types and quantities of debris 

 present and to establish a baseline for detecting increases 

 that may result from developing fisheries. Information pro- 

 vided by the surveys should provide insight into the nature 

 and extent of the debris problem in Argentina and South America 

 in general. The contract report, expected in December 1988, 

 will be reviewed by the Commission, in consultation with its 

 Committee of Scientific Advisors, to determine any need for 

 further investigation or mitigation measures. 



Overview of Federal and State Efforts to Protect Manatees and 



Their Habitat in Florida 



(J. E. Reynolds, III, Ph.D., Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, 



Florida) 



In 1986, the Commission provided funds for a review and 

 evaluation of actions taken since 1979 by the Federal Govern- 

 ment, the State of Florida, involved public interest groups, 

 and others to protect manatees and essential manatee habitats 

 in Florida. During review of the contract report, it became 

 evident that additional information and evaluation of ongoing 

 and planned research programs were needed. The contractor is 

 updating the previous contract report to include the additional 

 information and analysis. To assist in determining topics 

 that should be included in the revised report, representatives 

 of the Commission, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the State 

 of Florida, and the Florida Power and Light Company met with 

 the contractor on 9 December 1987 and developed and agreed on 

 a report outline. The report, which is expected in draft 

 form in February 1988, will be used by the Commission, in 

 consultation with its Committee of Scientific Advisors, to 

 assist in determining additional research and management actions 

 necessary to help ensure the continued existence of manatee 

 populations in Florida. 



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