California sea lions are among the most cognitively capable marine mammals and have been used extensively in biomedical and cognitive research, raising important welfare questions about captive marine mammal science.
Sea lions in research can achieve good welfare when housed in socially appropriate groups, provided complex aquatic environments, and trained using positive reinforcement. The use of protected contact and operant conditioning has replaced aversive training methods in most accredited facilities. Welfare standards for research pinnipeds are an evolving area of marine mammal science.