Navy Sued Over Sonar Use Around Whales
Posted on: Friday, 23 March 2007, 00:00 CDT
The California Coastal Commission sued the U.S. Navy Thursday, claiming the use of sonar off the coast endangers whales and other marine animals.
Environmental groups filed their own lawsuit, the Los Angeles Times reported. The two suits set the stage for a showdown between claims of national security and environmental harm.
The Coastal Commission recommended that the Navy take additional steps to protect whales during upcoming war games, including staying away from large groups of whales and turning down sonar volume at night. The Navy said its existing rules, which include posting lookouts to keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, are adequate.
The Navy also said that the commission has no authority over its actions.
Scientists have found evidence that sonar can cause marine mammals to panic and has even been responsible for large die-offs.
Source: United Press International
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