95 



that have ingested fish tainted with toxin. 



Scientists have worked with the Air Force to study the 

 effects of aircraft noise on birds and marine mammals. 



A study was done with the National Institutes of Health 

 and others to determine how harbor seals may avoid heart 

 disease even though their all sea-food diet is high in 

 protein and fatty acids. This study is being used to 

 provide clues as to how humans can fight heart disease, 

 the number one killer of adults. 



Another facility initiated collaborative research which 

 led to the identification of seal influenza in the North 

 Atlantic. 



The health maintenance research done at marine mammal facilities is also essential for 

 treating sick and stranded animals. Without knowledge of marine mammal health and 

 physiology, and without the techniques necessary to help these animals, successful rehabilitation 

 would be impossible. 



C. Helping Stranded Animals . 



Many Alliance and AZA members voluntarily participate in federally-sponsored 

 stranding response networks organized by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Because of 

 their extensive expertise with marine mammals, Alliance and AZA members are called upon by 

 the public, local animal welfare organizations, and state and federal regulators to respond to 

 animals in distress through strandings and injury. 



Annually, thousands of marine mammals are reported as stranded on the coasts of the 

 United States. Efforts to save these animals and generate scientific knowledge are almost 

 exclusively due to the dedication of the institutions and individuals of the Stranding Network 

 who receive no payment for their efforts. One Stranding Network member, Sea World, spent 

 $3.4 million over the last five years rescuing 2,728 animals, including birds and other animals as 

 well as cetaceans. Of those animals, 1,307 were rehabilitated and 1,080 were released. 



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