Story perspectives
Navy’s Marine Mammal Program: Dolphins Thrive Amid Controversy
9/2/2025
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Story summary
- The Navy's Marine Mammal Program in San Diego trains dolphins and sea lions for mine detection and force protection.
- Dolphins utilize echolocation, while sea lions are skilled in recovering test ordnance.
- Critics express animal welfare concerns; supporters claim the program offers superior care compared to the wild.
- Navy data indicates that program dolphins have a lifespan twice that of wild dolphins.
