PLASTICS IN THE ANTARCTIC ENVIRONMENT: ARE WE LOOKING ONLY AT THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG?

摘要: The available literature on marine debris and its impacts in the sub-Antarctic Islands, Antarctic Peninsula coasts of Antarctica was organized interpreted here. A total 98 documents covering from 1982 to 2010 were found 95% had their full contents accessed. Seventy line scientific abstracts Commission Conservation Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). occurrence environment, fur seals entanglement debris, interactions between seabirds long range transport benthos floating plastics main issues discussed. Fishing operations Southern Ocean identified as major source but according type reported, lower latitudes may also cross Polar Front (PF). Possible links South America, closest intercontinental connection, relation plastic pollution are highlighted. As reported for latitudinal gradients, is an important problem environment. However, specific detailed works necessary since our current knowledge probably expose only a small part real problem. Concerning this sort coastal environments, we be looking solely at tip iceberg.