Accumulation of stranded plastic objects and other artefacts at Inaccessible Island, central South Atlantic Ocean

During 1987 a survey of macro-artefacts (>10 mm diameter) was conducted along a 900 m boulder beach at the western point of Inaccessible Island, central South Atlantic Ocean. This repeated the survey made at the same site during 1984, when the highest density of artefacts at the Tristan da Cunha/Gough and Prince Edward island groups (apart from Tristan settlement) was recorded at Inaccessible Island. The minimum rate of artefact accumulation was 88 objects km-1 year-1. Total numbers of artefacts had increased by47 per cent, with the greatest increase among plastic objects (65 %). Artefacts attributable to the local fishery were little increased in abundance, whereas those derived from distant sources had increased by at least 120 per cent, suggesting a recent increase in the density. of artefacts adrift in the South Atlantic Ocean. Published in: S. Afr. T. Nav. Antarkt., Deel 18, No. 1, 1988