Why does the Navy use marine mammals?
The Navy currently relies on dolphins and sea lions to help protect lives and naval assets for two major reasons: 1) Their sensory capabilities; and, 2) Their diving capabilities. Dolphins naturally possess the most sophisticated sonar known to man. Mines and other potentially dangerous objects on the ocean floor are acoustically difficult targets to detect, especially in murky or dark water. The dolphin’s biosonar system is unmatched in its ability to make accurate detections. The sea lion has excellent low light vision and underwater directional hearing capabilities. Sea lions are not only adept at locating objects in challenging conditions, they also have the ability to maneuver in tight spaces and can go onto the shore if necessary. Both species of animals can make repeated deep-water dives without suffering the effects of decompression sickness or “the bends” as humans do. One sea lion, two handlers, and a rubber boat searching for objects on the ocean floor can effectively replac
