On March 18, a sea lion was sighted on the beaches of Maceió, following previous sightings in Barra de Santo Antônio and Paripueira, both located along the northern coastline of Alagoas. The Biota Conservation Institute has decided not to reveal the exact location of the animal to deter curious onlookers from approaching. This sea lion has been under monitoring since March 11, and it is expected to remain in the area for a few more days while the public is advised to keep their distance, refrain from touching, or feeding the animal.

Biologist and researcher Bruno Stefani from the Biota Institute has noted that the biggest challenge in monitoring the sea lion involves managing human interaction with the marine animal. The presence of people has been disturbing, causing the sea lion to display threatening behavior and retreat into the water instead of resting peacefully. This behavior can be detrimental to the sea lion as it needs to conserve energy to undergo its molting process before returning to its natural habitat.

Conservationists emphasize the importance of respecting the animal's space, highlighting the need for public awareness regarding wildlife disturbances. The incident has sparked discussions about wildlife protection and the appropriate behaviors expected from beachgoers when encountering marine species. Consequently, effective monitoring and communication strategies will be vital in ensuring the safety of both the sea lion and beach visitors in the coming days.