Navy Sonar Revived?

The Jan/Feb 2007 issue of Nature's Voice published by the NRDC had a disturbing article on the Navy's plan to use low frequency active (LFA) sonar in potentially 75% of worldwide oceans. The use of LFA sonar is intended to detect submarines with low-frequency sound waves that can travel more than 300 miles. This noise, at close range, can purportedly damage whale eardrums and lungs and at farther distances, disrupt feeding and mating.

In August 2003, on the same subject, the Navy was ordered by a district court judge to set up protective measures for marine mammals. According to the agreement, the Navy was only able
to use LFA sonar in a limited area of the Pacific Ocean. The Navy has requested a new permit to expand use of the LFA sonar.

A decision by the National Marine Fisheries Service on the permit is expected in July.