Physiological resilience in mammalian divers- thermal vulnerabilities and synergies in cetaceans following anthropogenic disturbance

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) awarded the University of California, Santa Cruz $124,698 under the Basic and Applied Scientific Research program (CFDA 12.300) on December 1, 2025, for a one-year project titled "Physiological Resilience in Mammalian Divers—Thermal Vulnerabilities and Synergies in Cetaceans Following Anthropogenic Disturbance." The project will be completed by November 30, 2026. This research initiative investigates the physiological resilience and thermal vulnerabilities of cetaceans exposed to anthropogenic disturbances, with implications for understanding how marine mammals respond to human-induced environmental stressors such as naval sonar and other naval operations.

UCSC, a major federal research institution with extensive experience managing ONR awards and marine science research, will deliver scientific research findings and analysis addressing naval relevance through advancement of knowledge regarding cetacean physiology and resilience mechanisms. The work supports ONR's mission to develop technological and operational advantages for the Navy and Marine Corps by building foundational scientific knowledge applicable to naval operations in marine environments.