US Navy Marine Mammal Program

Utilizing Marine Biology to Save Lives

Overview

• What is the Marine Mammal Program?

• How they work• Why they are

important• Myths and

Mythbusting

What is the NMMP?

• Since the 1950’s• Bottlenose Dolphins

and California Sea Lions

• Integrated Navy, Army, and civilian staff

• Missions for the Navy:• Underwater mine

detection• Port security• Hostile diver

surfacing• Based in San Diego,

deploy to all areas of the world

• Recent presence in Black Sea

How They Work

Mine Detection:• Dolphins and Sonar• Dolphins mark

mine/ordinance with beacon

• Navy diver disposes of explosive

Port Security/Hostile Diver Surfacing• Sea Lions agile in

shallow and confined waters

• Identify diver• Grab diver by leg• Force diver to surface• Transfer to security

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8trJkNWl9w

Why They are Important

• Protection of military personnel and equipment

• Protection of civilian sailors

• Prevent environmental problems associated with shipwrecks and explosives

• Excellent specimens for research• NMMP= largest

contributor to literature on marine mammals

• 800 technical publications

Misconceptions and the Truth

“Dolphins are used to attack people and ships”• All animals in the NMMP

are used for solely defensive roles

“It’s the military, so the animals are obviously neglected”• San Diego facility is an

industry leader in marine mammal care

• Two separate Congressional investigations found “Navy’s care of marine mammals was exemplary.”

• Army veterinary staff• Released daily,

untethered, for swim in open ocean

• Animals trained to participate in own healthcare

Conclusions

The US Navy’s Marine Mammal Program is a crucial tool for the safety and freedom of the seas

Contrary to many claims, the program is ethical and does not mistreat or kill animals

Much scrutiny of the program comes from misunderstanding and lack of research and investigation

Bibliography

http://www.mintpressnews.com/us-militarys-dolphin-use-prompts-animal-rights-debate/189775/

http://www.public.navy.mil/spawar/Pacific/71500/Pages/default.aspx

Questions?