The aim of this investigation was to analyze the biological and environmental characteristics concerning the development of tourism around the California sea lion Zalophus californianus (Lesson, 1828) in the Bay of Mazatlan, Mexico. The California sea lion, according to recent studies, inhabits the coasts of northwestern Mexico during the months from November to May (6 months). In this period, around 35,531 tourists visited this aquatic animal in its natural habitat, just 2 km from the coast. Th is economic activity generated an annual income for tourism services of $11,425,120.00 M.N ($626,517.24 USD) that off er ecotourism of the sea lion as a profitable attraction in the bay known as the Pearl of the Mexican Pacifi c. In the Bay of Mazatlan, this marine mammal enjoys a privileged place on the boardwalk, where there is a monument highlighting its importance in the port. Th is animal is...

The aim of this investigation was to analyze the biological and environmental characteristics concerning the development of tourism around the California sea lion Zalophus californianus (Lesson, 1828) in the Bay of Mazatlan, Mexico. The California sea lion, according to recent studies, inhabits the coasts of northwestern Mexico during the months from November to May (6 months). In this period, around 35,531 tourists visited this aquatic animal in its natural habitat, just 2 km from the coast. Th is economic activity generated an annual income for tourism services of $11,425,120.00 M.N ($626,517.24 USD) that off er ecotourism of the sea lion as a profitable attraction in the bay known as the Pearl of the Mexican Pacifi c. In the Bay of Mazatlan, this marine mammal enjoys a privileged place on the boardwalk, where there is a monument highlighting its importance in the port. Th is animal is...

Mazatlán Bay is located in the northwest of the Mexican Pacifi c Ocean; it is a popular place for national and international beach vacations. Th ere is a small colony of sea lions, Zalophus californianus (Lesson, 1828) in an area called “Roca Tortuga (RT)” which is included in a protected natural area 2 km from the coast and is considered a tourist attraction. Recreational boats carry out visitor encounters and therefore come into close contact with sea lions. However, there is no direct control over tourist visits to the colony during the high season. Th e objective of this research was to evaluate the experience of tourists in this colony. Surveys were used to analyze the tourist perception towards the conservation of sea lions and direct observations (tourist-sea lion interactions) were made to validate the results. Less than 15% of people received some kind of information about ...

Mazatlán Bay is located in the northwest of the Mexican Pacifi c Ocean; it is a popular place for national and international beach vacations. Th ere is a small colony of sea lions, Zalophus californianus (Lesson, 1828) in an area called “Roca Tortuga (RT)” which is included in a protected natural area 2 km from the coast and is considered a tourist attraction. Recreational boats carry out visitor encounters and therefore come into close contact with sea lions. However, there is no direct control over tourist visits to the colony during the high season. Th e objective of this research was to evaluate the experience of tourists in this colony. Surveys were used to analyze the tourist perception towards the conservation of sea lions and direct observations (tourist-sea lion interactions) were made to validate the results. Less than 15% of people received some kind of information about ...