Marine Debris Records from Heard and Macquarie Islands 1987-2002

Australian Antarctic Data Centre compiled marine debris records from Heard Island and Macquarie Island beaches and ship-based observations. Data collection occurred from 1987 to 2002 through systematic and opportunistic surveys. The original database is unsupported, with an Excel extract of database tables provided.

Use Cases

• Analyze temporal trends in debris accumulation using the collection date field.
• Compare debris types and quantities between Heard Island and Macquarie Island using location data.
• Correlate debris observations with survey method (systematic vs. opportunistic) to assess data collection bias.
• Study the distribution of floating debris spotted from ships versus beach-stranded debris.

Strengths

• Data spans a 15-year period from 1987 to 2002.
• Covers two distinct, remote sub-Antarctic island locations.

Limitations

• Unknown sample size and row count.
• Data format is an unsupported database extract, potentially complicating access and analysis.
• Temporally stale, with no updates since 2002.

Provenance

Source

Australian Antarctic Data Centre (AU_AADC).

Collection Method

Collected by observers conducting methodical or opportunistic beach surveys and ship-based sightings.

Time Range

1987 to 2002.

Freshness

null

Geography

Heard Island and Macquarie Island beaches and surrounding waters.