A fundamental requirement for the survival of organisms is access to food.  This singularly critical need of humans and animals is under immense pressure in our oceans.  Due to the cryptic nature of marine animal foraging habits, our knowledge of how much wild marine animals must eat to survive is inadequate to accurately predict the impact of human activities on wild populations.  The potential for species decline is tremendous and can already be observed off our coastlines.

Using a combination of up-close-and-personal studies on marine animals under human care and research on wild populations, we are beginning to understand when, where and how much food marine animals require each day.  Aquariums and zoos from around the world are sharing their knowledge about the seasonal changes in food intake for marine species to help in this effort.  In our lab, metabolism of dolphins, seals, sea lions, sea otters and whales are measured to understand how swimming and diving affects food acquisition when the animals are at sea.

 

Together this knowledge will enable our team to determine how the ocean’s resources can be shared by humans and marine animals.  Facilities for marine research and the organization of these data are needed to translate research into conservation benefits.  The proposed National Center for Marine Animal Nutrition and Analysis (NC-MANA) is the answer to this area of critical national need.  This center will provide an invaluable resource for addressing larger conservation issues of wild marine animals by directly translating cutting edge research into the preservation of marine ecosystems.

Proposed Key Elements

Marine Animal Research and Conservations Center

 

Swimming Exercise Flume and Diving Pools

 

Dolphin Rehabilitation Pools for Stranded Animals

 

National Marine Animal Database and Synthesis Group

 

National Graduate/Post-doctoral Program

 

Nutrition Laboratory

© Marine Mammal Physiology Project 2007

~ All work performed under NMFS Permit # 984-1587-04 ~

Updated November 2007