(EFE).- A Spanish marine institution and military officials on Friday agreed to launch a pioneering project to evaluate the potential use of sea lions in search and rescue missions.

The idea for the research deal came from the intelligence and skill demonstrated by sea lions during training in captivity as well as their known ability to effortlessly navigate choppy seas and dive to great depths.

The Oceanographic Foundation in this eastern port city of Valencia encouraged the analysis of the marine mammal’s potential contribution to protecting people at sea, in conservation and in other activities that could benefit organizations like the armed forces.

It was thought the sea lion program could also be used to help in the fight against marine pollution as well as to shed light on how to best conserve the species in the wild.

The intelligence of the sea lion, and its capacity to learn human commands, has been compared to that of dogs, a species that already works extensively in the security sector.

Sea lions are largely found in the Pacific Ocean and are characterized by their external ears.

They are a common entertainment feature in animal theme parks due to their abiltiy to be trained and understand commands.

Historical examples of sea lion-human interaction include mine-detection and equipment recovery in the United States Navy.

The accord was signed by Chief of Defense Staff General Admiral Fernando Garcia Sánchez, head of the city of arts and sciences Enrique Vidal and president of the Valencia Aquarium direction Celia Calabuig.