Distribution and abundance of the New Zealand fur seal and their interactions with humans along the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand : dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Diploma in Parks and Recreation Management, Lincoln College

Increased emphasis is being placed on the passive viewing of wildlife in its natural setting for recreational, educational and economic purposes. Within New Zealand the New Zealand fur seal Antocephalus forsteri (Lesson, 1828) is one of our few native animals suited to this activity. A survey was carried out from August 1986 to February 1987 on the distribution and abundance of the fur seal along the West Coast of the South Island from Haast to Karamea and the interaction between visitors and seals was studied. The fur seal population showed an increase of 11.9 percent since the previous survey and a new colony was identified. This information along with visitor information was then used to assess the impact humans are having on seals and what possible effect this could have on the seal resource. Maximum actual disturbance occurs when visitors walk through the midst of a colony but it is not known how this affects population numbers