As a consequence, the monitoring of marine debris and its impact on marine biota is a permanent item on the Commission and SC-CAMLR agendas.

CCAMLR has adopted and implemented measures to monitor marine debris and to mitigate its impact on marine biota in the Convention Area.

Members annually submit information on marine debris beach surveys, debris associated with seabird colonies, mammal and seabird entanglements, and hydrocarbon soiling of mammals and seabirds.

A set of standard forms, methods and instructions have been developed for the collection and submission of data from these monitoring programs.

At present CCAMLR Members continually monitor marine debris at several locations on the Antarctic Peninsula and other Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic islands. The Secretariat houses the CCAMLR Marine Debris Database which contains data from 12 sites.

CCAMLR has also instituted a number of initiatives to educate fishers and fishing vessel operators about pollution from marine debris and its impact on marine animals.

Since 1989 fishing and fishing research vessels operating in CCAMLR waters have been required to display a marine debris placard which outlines procedures for the handling, storing and discarding of different types of refuse.

 In 1998, a set of educational materials was published. This comprised a poster (available from the CCAMLR Secretariat) and a mini-poster which details international marine debris regulations in force, as well as the ecological and environmental reasons for avoiding marine debris pollution.

This material also provides advice on appropriate procedures aimed at avoiding discharge of harmful debris at sea.

CCAMLR has a conservation measure in force that deals with general environmental protection during fishing (Conservation Measure 26-01). It prohibits the disposal of plastic packaging bands as well as the dumping of garbage, offal or oil, etc.