[CPEO-MEF] Can Navy sonar hurt whales?

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

Can Navy sonar hurt whales?
Activists poised to block new device seen as harmful to marine mammals
By EMILY C. DOOLEY
STAFF WRITER
A high-tech sonar system unveiled by the Navy could harm whales, 
dolphins and other marine mammals, environmentalists say. 

The new sonar uses sound waves and microphones to detect submarines at 
distances 10 times farther away than standard sonar equipment. 
Environmentalists believe the noise could affect whale health and 
behaviors, such as migratory patterns and breeding.

Acknowledging the system could affect "small numbers" of marine mammals, 
the Navy has filed for a permit from the National Marine Fisheries 
Service to use the technology for the next five years. If the system is 
approved, the Navy would have the right to "incidentally harass or harm 
marine species."

A decision by the Fisheries Service is expected within the next few 
weeks, according to agency spokeswoman Connie Barclay. 

Military officials and environmental activists, meanwhile, are debating 
the risks involved with the new technology.

This story can be viewed in its entirety at:
http://www.capecodonline.com/cctimes/cannavy2.htm

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