The Role and Presence of a Guide: Preliminary Findings from Swim with Seal Programs and Land-Based Seal Viewing in New Zealand

Abstract

Marine mammal tourism is increasing worldwide and pinnipeds are increasingly a target of guided tourism ventures, in the form of "walk" and "swim-with" seal programs. This article aimed to quantify the response of seals to commercial seal swim operations and guided walks; compare responses of seals to guided versus unguided tours; and determine what human behaviors were more likely to elicit an avoidance response from the seals. Both guided and unguided commercial seal swims, as well as freedom/independent swims were monitored in Abel Tasman National Park, and Kaikoura, located in the South Island of New Zealand in the 2000/2001 austral summer. The behaviors of seals approached during seal swims were monitored from kayak or land-based platforms. Seal behavior in response to a guided walk on the Kaikoura Peninsula was also monitored; landing is not permitted on Tonga Island so land-based approaches were not observed there. Commercial seal swims elicited fewer avoidance responses than independent swimmers; however, no significant differences were found between seal swim companies. The benefit of having a guide present on walks to view seals was considerable, with 15% fewer seals responding ("changing behavior" or "avoiding") to tourists on guided walks than independent land-based tourist approaches. Key factors that influence seal responses to tourist approaches include group size: seals responded significantly more to groups of seven to nine tourists than to tour groups of smaller size. The findings presented in this study highlight some key factors that influence seal responses to tourist approaches, and also show that the presence of a guide significantly reduces the amount of avoidance responses from seals. As the popularity of seal tours increases, this information will be useful in establishing guidelines to effectively manage encounters with positive outcomes for both animals and tourists.