Valuing South American sea lions through ecotourism: a case study from a protected natural area in Argentine Patagonia

Abstract

Pinniped-watching tourism is growing worldwide, but the lack of regulatory frameworks challengesits sustainability. This study analyzed the 17-year impact of snorkelling tourism on a South Americansea lion (SASL) colony in Punta Loma, Patagonia (Argentina). We assessed the involvement ofprivate tourism operators to quantify the economic contributions of SASL snorkelling to the localeconomy. Additionally, we estimated the non-consumptive economic value of the SASL colonyand reconstructed the historical development of the activity by analyzing tourist numbers andtheir potential impact on SASL abundance. Our results showed that, historically, 109,335 touristsexpended > USD 23,250 directly, identifying a rising trend in snorkelling with SASL. Nonetheless, SASLabundance was not negatively affected by the rise in snorkelling tourism, maintaining a colony sizeof > 600 individuals annually. Our findings suggested SASL colony generated a net annual benefit ofUSD708,972 for local communities, pointing out the importance of economic valuation as an effectivetool for local stakeholders and decision-makers in recognition of the importance of protected SASLpopulations. However, the need for a regional regulatory framework for SASL watching has beendiscussed to benefit the current conservation plans in the area and ensure long-term sustainability ofthis growing tourism activity.