Page 6 - 200908 - The 'X' Chronicles Newspaper - August 2009

6 Dolphins Fend Off Terrorism 6 Dolphins Fend Off Terrorism Opposition surfaces to Navy plan to use dolphins, sea lions for Bangor security The U.S. Navy wants to use Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions in Puget Sound to protect against terrorists along Naval Base Kitsap at Bangor on Hood Canal. The Navy-trained dolphins would find threatening divers, then make way for deep-diving California sea lions to clamp a cuff around the intruder's ankle. By Michelle Ma Intruders who pose a threat to the Northwest's largest naval base could be up against defenders known for their top-notch sonar, incredible speed — and unmistakably playful grins. The U.S. Navy wants to use Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, along with California sea lions, to protect against terrorists along Naval Base Kitsap at Bangor on Hood Canal. The Navy-trained dolphins would find the threatening divers, then make way for the California sea lions to clamp a cuff around the intruder's ankle. A line attached to the cuff would stretch up to a boat on the surface to snag the diver. The Navy has used these animals for similar stints around the world and to protect another naval base in Georgia. But some scientists and residents oppose the Navy's plan for its Puget Sound base and characterize use of the marine mammals as animal enslavement. At Bottlenose dolphins, who use their Navy's program. Trainers get to know the a public hearing in SeaTac last week, the dozen or so who spoke were all against the plan. natural sonar to move about the ocean, can be animals and can tell if something's wrong, he trained to find underwater objects, including said. "I believe that these animals are being Some residents are concerned the treated like produce," said Toni Frohoff, a human divers. A dolphin can swim almost 10 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, out of their natural times faster than a diver and bump the intruder Seattle biologist who has studied wild and with a marker that sends a flashing light to the range in Puget Sound, wouldn't do well in cold captive marine mammals. The Navy is considering the dolphin-sea surface. water. The Navy has proposed installing heated lion plan along with several other options that But some question whether it's humane pens so the animals can rest in warmer water include human divers and underwater robots. to keep dolphins captive and trust them with when not on patrol. high-level security operations. Naomi Rose, The Navy started a similar program at a The public can submit comments on the proposal until March 1, and a final decision is senior scientist for Human Society base in Georgia a few years ago. The dolphins and sea lions have responded to some false International, said dolphins experience stress expected in October. If marine mammals are chosen, it would take a year or two before about each time they are removed from water or alarms but haven't faced a human intruder, said transported on missions. Chronic stress can lead Steve Hugueley, project manager for the 30 of the animals are brought to Puget Sound, officials said. to sickness or earlier death, she said. a perfect Georgia program. Dolphins were sent Vietnam in the Dolphins don't have The Navy tried to bring dolphins to its Bangor site nearly 20 years ago, but a lawsuit performance record, either. It's normal for the 1970s to help locate threatening divers. Now required a full environmental assessment before playful animals to become distracted, she said. they are sent on missions around the world to the animals could be used. After the Sept. 11, "Do you really want to entrust security locate underwater mines, retrieve lost objects 2001, terrorist attacks, the government has of a naval base to animals that think it's a and protect ships and harbors from attacks. [] game?" said Rose, a marine-mammal biologist. pushed for more security at military sites, including Naval Base Kitsap. Bangor is home "They do not know they're recruits in the military." port to 11 of the country's most sophisticated Rose and scientists other Still, submarines. acknowledge the Navy's marine mammals The waterfront at Bangor already has boats, armed guards and a fence built on floats receive top-notch veterinary care. The Navy's San Diego-based marine mammal center also for security, but marine mammals partnered with support boats would help track and capture leads the field in research. Veterinarians and trainers regularly swimmers, said Greg Leicht, environmental director at the base. check the animals and go along on missions, said Eric Jensen, managing veterinarian for the