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Navy: Sonar, Blasts Way Harmful Than We Thought

1.6K whales, dolphins could face injury, hearing loss in year

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 11, 2012 9:52 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Navy's use of sonar and explosives could deal damage to some 1,600 marine mammals near California and Hawaii every year—a figure far higher than once believed. The whales and dolphins are at risk of hearing loss and other injuries, the AP reports. What's more, the explosives could accidentally kill up to 200 animals. An earlier study assessing the risk between 2009 and 2013 predicted that just 100 creatures could be hurt or killed. The new research is part of an environmental impact statement that considers the Navy's plans between 2014 and 2019.

The Navy says its sonar and explosives could pose a serious threat to dolphins and whales.
The Navy says its sonar and explosives could pose a serious threat to dolphins and whales.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
Tology
May 12, 2012 11:55 AM CDT
I read this headline over and over and still it makes no sense. Sonar, Blasts more harmful than we though would make more sense.  Typical young person with no comprehension of the English language.
Observer
May 12, 2012 10:08 AM CDT
The Navy is the biggest waste of money in the Pentagon. Any modern enemy can destroy aircraft carriers with a couple missiles. Cut the fucking Navy in half today. It is a total waste of my tax dollars. If a battleship is the only image a shitbag third world country sees - no wonder they hate and fear America. Then the drunken idiots hit the shore leave and fuck their whores and tear up the town. Nice work you fudge packers.
schmidtkoff
May 12, 2012 8:21 AM CDT
the military can do what they want. it's a national security issue. who's gonna argue with that? who cares if the critters at the top of the ocean's food change can't navigate or end up dead on beaches? oh, right, beach goers.

 
California • explosives • US military • Hawaii • US Navy • dolphins • marine mammals • sonar • whales

 
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