Atlantic walruses in Svalbard are recovering after historical depletion by hunting. Their welfare at haul-out sites depends on freedom from disturbance, and wildlife tourism management is critical to maintaining behavioural integrity.
Walrus haul-outs disturbed by vessel approach cause mass stampedes where calves are crushed under the weight of fleeing adults. Repeated disturbance at traditional haul-out sites prevents animals from resting and fasting after feeding dives. The combination of increasing land haul-out use (from ice loss) and tourism pressure on traditional sites creates growing welfare conflict that requires strict approach distance enforcement.