Seal Bay, Australia, Indian Ocean

The Australian sea-lion, Neophoca cinerea, colony at Seal Bay has been attracting visitors since the beginning of the century. As its popularity increased facilities and infrastructure were constructed to deal with the increased flow of guests. Park infrastructure (a car park, barbecue area and toilet block) was erected in the back dunes around Seal Bay in 1960. Unfortunately, these were the back sand dune breeding areas where sea-lions rest and suckle their young in the cooler months. This obviously had an effect on breeding success. In 1980 the infrastructure was finally removed and seals are now revisiting the reopened areas.

This is an excellent example of the value of sand dunes in their natural state and the detrimental effects that building and physical alterations along dunes and beaches can have on local wildlife. The park's focus is the sea-lions so the effects were noted and attempts to rectify the wrong were sought. In other areas of the world wildlife has not been as fortunate.