Whales swimming in the Gulf of Mexico may become collateral damage from military exercises conducted by the U.S. Navy, which has asked for permission to ”incidentally harass” the mammals. The National Marine Fisheries Service is reviewing the Navy request to carry out underwater explosions and surface maneuvers that could injure and kill whales in the Gulf for the next five years. The Gulf is home to six species of endangered whales and the West Indian manatee, as well as numerous non-endangered whales and dolphins.