The United States Navy and NATO have been using and testing Low Frequency Active Sonar (LFAS) to detect enemy submarines. Many dolphins and whales who use their own sonar to navigate the oceans have been severely affected. The sound is so loud (over 235dB) that it can and kill and maim whales, dolphins and sea life. LFAS is known to be harmful to humans as well.
Global protesting and four lawsuits have convinced the US Navy to end its Low Frequency Active Sonar (LFAS) tests early in the waters off Hawaii. In many places, the general public has reacted strongly to the damage inflicted on marine life and the protest is growing fast as more people become aware of the tests. The campaign still goes on to ensure awareness is raised.
Unfortunately, tests still continue and whales and other marine animals are thought to have been being killed as a result. And, according to environmental organization, Natural Resources Defense Council, “the U.S. Navy is now seeking the power to exempt itself from environmental laws” that are designed to address this concern. (See also this link for additional information.)
For more on LFAS:
Some whale and dolphin strandings are believed to be due to military sonar (Image source: Wikipedia beached humpback and beached orca)
Unfortunately, tests still continue and whales and other marine animals are thought to have been being killed as a result. And, according to environmental organization, Natural Resources Defense Council, “the U.S. Navy is now seeking the power to exempt itself from environmental laws” that are designed to address this concern. (See also this link for additional information.)
For more on LFAS:
- The Stop LFAS campaign web site has generated over half a million email protests and provides links to more information
- A report from the National Resources Defense Council, titled Sounding the Depths; Supertankers, Sonar, and the Rise of Undersea Noise
- These articles from the BBC:
- Julianna Kettlewell, Whales “suffer from the bends”, BBC, December 23, 2004
- Call for study on impact of sonar, BBC, October 23, 2004
- Sonar 'may cause whale deaths', BBC, October 8, 2003
- Janet Williams, US Navy sued over new sonars, BBC, August 8, 2002
- Why sonar may harm whales and dolphins, BBC, August 4, 2002
- Military sonar blamed for mass dolphin strandings, by Lewis Smith, for The Times (London), April 8, 2009
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