What is one of the military applications of sea lions?

The use of sea lions in military applications, particularly for mine detection, takes advantage of their natural abilities and training. Sea lions have a keen sense of sight and hearing, which allows them to detect underwater mines more effectively than some human divers or mechanical devices. They can be trained to recognize the specific signatures or movements associated with submerged mines, facilitating a more efficient and safer identification process.

This capability proves invaluable in naval operations, where ensuring safe passage for vessels is critical. By deploying sea lions for mine detection, the military can enhance the operational effectiveness of surface ships and submarines, thereby reducing risk to personnel and assets while maintaining maritime security. The other options, while potentially useful in their own contexts, do not specifically highlight this unique advantage that sea lions bring to mine detection tasks.