New evidence proves that high-power sonar systems can and do kill marine animals.
The U.S. Navy is moving ahead with plans to deploy a new extended-range submarine detection system that will introduce into the world's oceans noise billions of times more intense than that known to disturb whales. Undeniable evidence that these high-power sonar systems can and do kill marine animals emerged in early 2000, when four different species of whales and dolphins suddenly began stranding themselves across a series of islands in the Bahamas. Despite efforts to save them, seven of the creatures died. An investigative report released by the Navy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has established with virtual certainty that the mass mortality was caused by a Navy battle group using mid-frequency range active sonar in the vicinity. Although active sonar has been suspected in previous whale beachings, prompt analysis in this case of the dead whales enabled scientists to confirm, for the first time, the lethal role of the sonar system.