Sounds as Indicators of Health and Welfare of Navy s Mine Hunting Dolphins
Abstract
Dolphin sound production may indicate early warning signs of illness and injuries. To see if this is true, individual dolphin sounds must be identified with the context and frequency of use. Over a three year project, this acoustic data will be correlated with veterinary observations in our current care program. At the end of the project, we intend to use sound to appreciate dolphin welfare, keep them healthy and help prevent illness. Dolphins have large, complex brains that are the central processing computer for their biosonar system. Dolphins produce a large repertoire of sounds in their daily lives. They use their sonar in a cooperative partnership with Navy Marine Mammal Program (MMP) personnel hunting sea mines. These human/ animal teams form the MK-7 system providing force protection and safe lanes for passage of ships. These dolphins are especially valuable because of their extensive training. The current project aims to enhance welfare and extend working life for these valuable dolphins. Dolphins have a reliance on sound that may exceed that of any other mammal. In addition to sonar, dolphins produce whistles and burst pulses. We propose that dolphin sounds reveal their emotions, welfare, social relations and overall health. These sounds may give early warnings to aid in detection of injury and disease. The earlier a condition is detected the better the chance of successful treatment and reduction in recovery time. The MMP has committed to ensuring the best welfare for its marine mammals. This is emphasized in section 1.3.4 of the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program Investment Strategy for Clinical Research FY16-FY20. Biomarkers of well-being are most often thought of as medical tests or visible changes in behavior. Sounds a dolphin produces may also be important indicators of welfare. The MMP has a long, rich, and well published history in the study of dolphin acoustics. However, continuous recording of dolphin groups with individual sounds identified has not been possible in the past. The individual sound repertories of individual Navy dolphins have never been characterized. Only one brief study has been published addressing this subject (Ridgway, 1983). Our 3-year study will provide an additional diagnostic tool to keep these valuable animals healthy. The current project is aimed at reducing the number of dolphin sick days by recording and analyzing dolphin sound. We aim to help with early diagnosis of illness or injury or negative social interactions. Early diagnosis leads to faster cures, fewer lost work days, and better overall health and welfare. If this project is successful it will extend readiness and overall robustness of dolphins in the MK-7 system. This in turn will improve mine hunting and force protection
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 27, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141812643
Entities
People
- Sam H Ridgway
Organizations
- National Marine Mammal Foundation
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy