Interactions between Humans and South American Sea Lions (Otaria byronia) during an Avian Flu Outbreak in the Southeastern Pacific

Ayala L.; Sánchez-Scaglioni R.; Gómez G. · Pacific Science (2025) · DOI: 10.2984/78.4.3

Resumen

Coastal human populations have increased interactions between humans and wildlife, often documented through social media. During an avian influenza outbreak, the stranding of marine birds and mammals in Peru and Chile provided an opportunity to assess human–sea lion interactions reported online, a particularly concerning situation due to the risk of zoonotic transmission to humans. The objectives of this study were (a) to classify human– sea lion interactions, (b) to identify latitudinal distribution patterns of stranded sea lions, and (c) to identify associations between strandings and sea surface temperature, human population density, and the distance between strandings and sea lion colonies. We analyzed videos and photos posted on X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok between November 2022 and February 2024. A total of 311 stranded sea lions were reported in 225 posts from Peru (69% and 71%) and Chile (31% and 29%). The most common interaction was human approach (74% of all interactions). Strandings were more abundant in Lima (12° S, Peru), which is densely populated and visited by tourists. In Chile, strandings were mainly distributed in Antofagasta (23° S). This study is the first assessment of human harassment of stranded pinnipeds in Latin America. It highlights that Chile has a legal framework to reduce the harassment of marine megafauna, and Peru is developing its own regulations. Understanding these interactions and their geographical distribution is essential to support government agencies in targeting enforcement, monitoring, and educational efforts.

Instituciones: Universidad Científica del Sur