FLOATING MARINE POLLUTION IN THE GULLY ON THE CONTINENTAL-SLOPE, NOVA-SCOTIA, CANADA

Visual surveys of large debris items and neuston net tows of small particulate pollution (including tar) were conducted in the mouth of the submarine canyon known as the Gully-200 km east of mainland Nova Scotia, Canada. Censuses were also performed in surrounding areas. Densities of three types of pollution in the Gully were calculated and compared to those found in surrounding areas and to those reported in recent literature from other areas of the world. The Gully had higher average densities of small and large debris but a lower average density of tar compared to surrounding areas. Due to limitations in the sampling technique, statistical comparisons were not possible. The density of large debris was greater in the Gully than in all but one other study while the density of small debris was less than most other studies. Density of tar was comparable to that found in other areas.