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Abstract

Although grey seals are relatively common in Britain, their numbers elsewhere are believed to be decreasing, and some populations in Europe are listed as endangered by the IUCN. This case study focuses on the impacts of seal tourism on a colony of seals on the South Devon coast in the United Kingdom, the effectiveness of current management policies and tourists’ perceptions of the voluntary controls adhered to by tour operators. To monitor impacts, covert observations of the site were undertaken on 60 designated survey days in the summer of 2006, while a survey of tourists taking part in wildlife cruises to the site was conducted during the same period. The observations found that the voluntary codes had reduced disturbance from operators;however, there were still disturbances, mainly from private vessels. The results of the survey showed that tourists were aware of their potential impacts upon the wildlife,and were generally supportive of the voluntary codes in place. Therefore if an honestexplanation and interpretation of the potential impacts of seal tourism are provided, it may encourage a protectionist predisposition in wildlife tourists and render the compliance of voluntary codes a highly satisfactory tourist experience rather than a negative one.

Available Versions of this Item

• Tourism and Grey Seals in South Devon: Management Strategies, Voluntary Controls and Tourist Perceptions of Disturbance. (deposited 23 Oct 2008 18:48)
  • Tourism and Grey Seals in South Devon: Management Strategies, Voluntary Controls and Tourist Perceptions of Disturbance. (deposited 23 Sep 2009 20:37) [Currently Displayed]