Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) disturbance, ecotourism and the Pembrokeshire Marine Code around Ramsey Island

Abstract

The world wide growth of ecotourism and the need for management of this growth is well documented. Ramsey Island in Pembrokeshire, UK, is examined here in the context of its population of Atlantic Grey Seals. The growth of ecotour boat activity around the island has lead to the development of a voluntary code of conduct for relevant stakeholders, defining limits to their behaviour around key species at the site, including grey seals. Semi-quantitative protocols were developed for recording disturbance and boat behaviour. Data are presented of seal disturbance behaviour at pupping beaches in response to numbers, distance and speed of boats. It is shown that there is a significant correlation between the intensity of disturbance as measured by a disturbing stimulus index (DSI) and disturbance level. Disturbance is measurable at levels of disturbing stimulus that currently would not breach the code recommendations. The findings are examined for their implications for the seal populations, compliance with the code of conduct and wider definitions of ecotourism. Recommendations for adjustment of the code in terms of boat distance and speed are made. We highlight the need for wider stakeholder discussion of whether such common pool resources can be sustainably managed by voluntary measures alone.