NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) — Just off the southeast shore of Plum Island last week, a dozen or so harbor seals perched in poses mimicking phases of the moon on sea-weathered rocks, while others poked heads out of the dark waters, all turning toward the low, sandy cliff along the beach to a small group gathered on the flat meadow above.

Between the seals watching the people and the people watching the seals stood a row of large signs with some unequivocal messages: “U.S. Property. No Trespassing,” and “Landing Prohibited.”