THE Spanish Navy is planning to use sea-lions for rescue missions.
They have chosen sea-lions over dolphins, since they say the 'logistics' of the former are simpler, and they can be used in both salt water and fresh water,
Also, as they are amphibians, they can be used on dry land.
Searching for submerged objects and people, the recovery of lost property, ships, other devices and humans, and also saving humans in trouble in water are among the new tasks sea-lions will perform.
They will be able to tow people and items to the surface, assist divers, help inspect boats, ports, oil and gas pipes.
Only female sea-lions will be used, since they weigh less than their male counterparts and are easier to lift onto and off boats.
They will form part of various 'Quick Find' teams, involving two to three Naval officers and one sea-lion.
The animals will be supplied by Valencia's Oceanogràfic, an aquarium among the largest in Spain and a popular tourist attraction based in the state-of-the-art City of Arts and Sciences.
Overseen by vets experts in sea-lions, the operation will have an initial cost of 50,000 euros and annual running costs of 180,000 euros in staff, food for the animals, investigation and veterinary care, among other elements.
