Academic Perceptions of Sea Turtle Conservation in Sinaloa, Mexico: Evidence from an Exploratory Factor Analysis

Marine turtles are key species for the stability of coastal and oceanic ecosystems; however, their conservation faces increasing pressures derived from climate change and anthropogenic activities. This study analyzes the perception of the academic and scientific community in biology, environmental sciences, and marine sciences regarding marine turtle conservation along the coast of Sinaloa, Mexico. A quantitative cross-sectional survey-based study with an exploratory approach was employed, using a Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 358 participants. The instrument demonstrated adequate internal consistency (α = 0.836; ω = 0.827). An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using principal component extraction identified four components explaining 55.51% of the total variance, corresponding to four dimensions: (1) commitment to conservation, (2) environmental and climatic impacts on reproductive processes, (3) key factors and threats in the reproductive cycle, and (4) conservation practices and knowledge. Results suggest a general tendency toward agreement on the ecological importance of marine turtles and the threats affecting their reproductive success, particularly climate-related and habitat degradation factors. However, greater variability was observed in perceptions related to applied practices and technical knowledge, indicating differences in perceptions related to the implementation of conservation strategies. These findings suggest the potential relevance of strengthening applied training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge transfer mechanisms to enhance the effectiveness of conservation initiatives in priority nesting areas of Sinaloa.