US Navy Marine Mammal Program
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Transcript of US Navy Marine Mammal Program
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?