Marine Mammals

3 credits · Nicholas School of Environment

Ecology, social organization, behavior, acoustic communication, and management issues. Focused on marine mammals in the southeastern United States (for example, bottlenose dolphin, right whale, West Indian manatee). The biology of cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, and sea otters. Detailed consideration given to the adaptations that allow these mammals to live in the sea. Evaluation of the scientific, ethical, and aesthetic factors influencing societal attitudes toward these animals and of their conservation management in light of domestic legislation and international treaties.