Times are a changin'. Resulting from a court case between the US Navy and the Natural Resources Defense Council, a federal judge has ordered the Navy to respect sea animals when running their sonar training exercises off the coast of Southern California. To the benefit of whales and dolphins, the Navy is restricted from using their medium-range sonar within 12 miles of the coast. Not only that, but if whales or porpoises are spotted within 2,200 yards of the sonar vessels, exercises must undergo a mandatory shutdown.Apparently, the sonar blasts have been shown to disorient whales and dolphins, messing with their minds and such. In the judge's ruling, she outlines an entire regimen to safeguard against disturbing the sea creatures. One measure includes having airborne lookouts spotting for dolphins during the exercises -- perhaps a little over the top.
The Navy contends that these exercises are a matter of necessity, since silent submarines technology has become the norm. While this is a momentary win for the environment, Navy and Pentagon officials are saying it's a loss for national security -- and it will most likely be appealed.
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