How Effective are Posted Signs to Regulate Tourism? An Example with New Zealand Fur Seals

Abstract

Increased tourism has augmented harassment to wildlife and posted signs are commonly used to manage such interactions. This study determined whether signs increased tourist compliance with regulations to remain >10 m from New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) at Kaikoura Peninsula. We observed 362 tourist groups interacting with seals. The percentage of groups in which all members respected the posted distance was similar whether tourists saw the signs or not [60.6% vs. 65.9%; G(1) = 0.98, p = 0.32]. Results indicate that posted signs were ineffective in increasing compliance to regulations and suggest that alternative approaches must be considered to increase regulation compliance and better manage interactions between tourists and wildlife.