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

Pinniped-watching tourism is growing worldwide, but the lack of regulatory frameworks challenges its sustainability. This study analyzed the 17-year impact of snorkelling tourism on a South American sea lion (SASL) colony in Punta Loma, Patagonia (Argentina). We assessed the involvement of private tourism operators to quantify the economic contributions of SASL snorkelling to the local economy. Additionally, we estimated the non-consumptive economic value of the SASL colony and reconstructed the historical development of the activity by analyzing tourist numbers and their potential impact on SASL abundance. Our results showed that, historically, 109,335 tourists expended > USD 23,250 directly, identifying a rising trend in snorkelling with SASL. Nonetheless, SASL abundance was not negatively affected by the rise in snorkelling tourism, maintaining a colony size of > 600 individuals annually. Our findings suggested SASL colony generated a net annual benefit of USD708,972 for local communities, pointing out the importance of economic valuation as an effective tool for local stakeholders and decision-makers in recognition of the importance of protected SASL populations. However, the need for a regional regulatory framework for SASL watching has been discussed to benefit the current conservation plans in the area and ensure long-term sustainability of this growing tourism activity.