Executive Summary
The Issue At Hand
Endangered species, like the New Zealand sea lion, have begun to re-establish colonies along the coastline in part, due to the conservation efforts of the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Together they are working to protect other native wildlife such as the New Zealand fur seal and the little penguin, which can also be frequently found on public beaches. While these regions may serve as critical habitats for coastal wildlife, many New Zealanders also consider beaches to be an integral part of their recreational lifestyle. With roughly one dog per nine residents, it is common for dogs to accompany their owners on the beach (dogsafety.govt.nz, 2015; Statistics New Zealand, 2016). The potential for recreationists and dogs to encounter threatened species is increasing as their presence along the coasts grows. Figure A below shows the potential for an off lead dog to interact with wildlife. While curious dogs and their owners may not have harmful intentions, the presence of dogs and humans can directly and indirectly impact threatened species.
In the last year alone, there were 24 fatal attacks on penguins by dogs in the Western Bay of Plenty area (Ottley, 2016). More recently, in January 2017, dogs killed a total of eight little penguins (Cleave, 2017; Fletcher, 2017). Overall, disturbances and predation risks from dogs contribute to injuries, a lower breeding success rate, and hinder conservation efforts. The general public and the media’s response to recent dog attacks on coastal wildlife highlight many of the risks at hand. Dog control is a well-publicized issue in many parts of the country. While it can be contentious or even controversial, dog control is necessary to create a safer environment for the wildlife while still allowing dog owners the freedom to take their dogs to the beach. An increased push towards collaborative conservation has led to the reassessment of current dog bylaws and implementation of new laws and regulations, designed to keep wildlife safe and to allow humans to have fun with their pets on beaches.
Nationally, legislation and programs, including the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations and several species-specific New Zealand Threat Management Plans, have been introduced in an effort to minimize the negative consequences of dog-wildlife encounters. The Dog Control Act of 1996, in conjunction with these regulations, has been used to help create a III safe environment for wildlife in coastal areas. DOC and other organizations have found that some beach-goers fail to comply with regulations; however, they do not have the resources or jurisdiction to constantly monitor and enforce laws.
Our Approach
What We Found
Looking Forward
Our Approach
The goal of this project was to assist DOC in better managing these interactions through the development of improved tools and resources. We identified three objectives to fulfill the primary mission (as shown in Figure B).
Objective 1: Determined the current legal context and a general baseline for beach
restrictions
In order to determine how restrictions are implemented at beaches, we conducted site assessments at key locations selected based on popularity, sponsor input, and the kinds of wildlife known to be present. At each site, we photographed and categorized the posted regulations based on the number of signs and type. We further analyzed their visual appeal and location to determine how rules and information were presented at each site.
To understand essential restrictions in place, we conducted 14 expert interviews from relevant area agencies and organizations, including participants from the Wellington City Council, Places for Penguins, and members of DOC staff. These interviews were used to gauge the perspectives of experts in the field on dog-wildlife interactions and to gain an understanding of their role in monitoring these interactions.
Objective 2: Observed and documented dog and owner behavior
In order to characterize social norms, we recorded dog and owner behaviors on targeted beaches chosen from the site assessments. Our observations included responsiveness of the dog and attentiveness of the owner. We took photographs of dog and owner behavior to supplement these written records. At every beach we noted the number of each of the four target species present and if the area was known habitat for any of them. We also noted dog presence and whether the dogs were on or off-lead.
Objective 3: Assess the public’s perceptions on wildlife, dogs, and owner behaviors
We utilized two surveys in order to analyze the public’s beliefs, knowledge, and attitudes about dog-wildlife interactions and dog beach regulations. Our beach intercept survey questioned participants on their beach regulation knowledge as well as perceptions, while the dog park intercept survey only asked about perceptions. The 205 survey responses we collected helped identify trends in public perceptions of dog and coastal wildlife interactions. If a survey participant showed an eagerness to talk, we went on to ask them more in-depth questions about their thoughts on dogs and wildlife on beaches. In this way, we were able to turn the survey into more of a discussion to allow us to more fully understand the viewpoints of our participants.
To experience beach social norms first hand, rather than relying solely on survey and interview data, we engaged in participant observation. We took our DOC sponsors’ dogs to dog exercise areas on the beaches and a dog park. At each site, we were able to look for signage and follow regulations as if we were dog owners, which enhanced our ability to interpret our collected data.
What We Found
In our assessments and surveying of Dunedin and Wellington, our data revealed some interesting and sometimes unexpected trends. Overall, it was difficult to generalize social norms across the country, as they varied by beach. On each beach itself, however, we found that dogowners typically respected regulations and followed the examples set by other dog-owners. We also found that they respected the presence of native species on beaches and were willing to follow protective regulations. In fact 73% of survey respondents either agreed or were neutral that the beach is more important for native wildlife habitat than human and dog recreation. Survey results revealed that the most common way the public learned about beach regulations was through signage. However, we found a lack of consistency in how information is conveyed and substantial variations in content, design, and location of signage on the beaches. Many of these signs are put up by different organizations depending on the beach and its habitat. A lack of collaboration among organizations posting signs can lead to redundant, confusing, or conflicting messages. At beaches where organizations posting signs had collaborated, there were fewer and the messages were conveyed more clearly and effectively. We found a wide spectrum of awareness and knowledge regarding coastal wildlife on beaches. Most respondents in Dunedin were aware of species such as fur seals and sea lions, which are more easily visible on public beaches. In Wellington and Dunedin, however, fewer participants were aware of penguins, which are more numerous on beaches than fur seals and sea lions but are rarely seen. Most participants recognized the potential for a direct dog-wildlife interaction to be harmful, but fewer acknowledge that seemingly minor interactions can lead to distress among wildlife. Additionally, we discovered that many respondents were unaware of how to behave around specific wildlife. While most participants knew to put their dogs on lead around wildlife, few stated the need to maintain the appropriate distance of twenty meters between dogs and wildlife. Analysis of the data revealed that 89% of surveyed dog owners agreed or were neutral about the need to control human and dog recreation on beaches to protect wildlife. Most were
In our assessments and surveying of Dunedin and Wellington, our data revealed some interesting and sometimes unexpected trends. Overall, it was difficult to generalize social norms across the country, as they varied by beach. On each beach itself, however, we found that dogowners typically respected regulations and followed the examples set by other dog-owners. We also found that they respected the presence of native species on beaches and were willing to follow protective regulations. In fact 73% of survey respondents either agreed or were neutral that the beach is more important for native wildlife habitat than human and dog recreation. Survey results revealed that the most common way the public learned about beach regulations was through signage. However, we found a lack of consistency in how information is conveyed and substantial variations in content, design, and location of signage on the beaches. Many of these signs are put up by different organizations depending on the beach and its habitat. A lack of collaboration among organizations posting signs can lead to redundant, confusing, or conflicting messages. At beaches where organizations posting signs had collaborated, there were fewer and the messages were conveyed more clearly and effectively. We found a wide spectrum of awareness and knowledge regarding coastal wildlife on beaches. Most respondents in Dunedin were aware of species such as fur seals and sea lions, which are more easily visible on public beaches. In Wellington and Dunedin, however, fewer participants were aware of penguins, which are more numerous on beaches than fur seals and sea lions but are rarely seen. Most participants recognized the potential for a direct dog-wildlife interaction to be harmful, but fewer acknowledge that seemingly minor interactions can lead to distress among wildlife. Additionally, we discovered that many respondents were unaware of how to behave around specific wildlife. While most participants knew to put their dogs on lead around wildlife, few stated the need to maintain the appropriate distance of twenty meters between dogs and wildlife. Analysis of the data revealed that 89% of surveyed dog owners agreed or were neutral about the need to control human and dog recreation on beaches to protect wildlife. Most were equally concerned about their freedom to enjoy the beach, however, and strongly emphasized the need for beach space to exercise their dogs. In both Dunedin and Wellington, we found that dogowners are open to compromise in finding solutions that benefit themselves, their dogs, and the wildlife. From our research, we found that certain tools and resources are more effective than others. Experts repeatedly stated that interactive methods of communication are more engaging and can create a more personal connection between the public and the wildlife. Additionally, with signage being one of the major sources of information, more succinct and positive signage would be more effective and beneficial to promote favourable behaviour. We have used all of these findings to create various tools and resources to aid DOC in better managing dog and coastal wildlife interactions.
Looking Forward
Based on our findings, we developed a series of tools and resources for the Department of Conservation. Table A summarizes our recommendations to DOC in four areas: signage, education, beach database, and community engagement.
Looking forward the recommendations and deliverables created provide a comprehensive approach to increase awareness of coastal wildlife and human impacts. The developed signage suggestions should create clear expectations of beach behaviours. Proposed education solutions provide information on native coastal species and explain why these beach regulations are important for protecting wildlife and dogs. The community engagement plans we have designed encompass a variety of ways to reach members of the public and encourage conservation-minded practices. We believe our methods can be applied to evaluate other threats native wildlife face and how the public views these threats. We also think our recommendations can be tailored to educate and engage the public on other issues facing wildlife. In the near future, with native species becoming more present on New Zealand’s shores, experts expect a rise in interactions and have stressed the need to address a change in public behaviours to protect them. Dogs are only one of the dangers facing wildlife, the others including cars, disease, and threats at sea. However, they are a threat that can be controlled. By addressing this seemingly small issue now, we can help give these native species a chance at brighter future and create a habitat where we can coexist harmoniously