Presence of observers prevents fur seal attacks

Further to the recent attacks on fur seals in Kaikoura, comes a timely study just published in Conservation Biology. Alejandro Acedevo-Gutierrez and Lisa Acedevo of Western Washington University, and Laura Boren, DoC’s national marine mammal coordinator, found that the presence of an official-looking volunteer stationed at a popular seal viewing areas was enough to deter tourists from harassing seals.