Reynolds was joined by other opponents of the sonar system in a press conference before the first of three public hearings on the issue scheduled by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The fisheries service will decide if the Navy should be exempt from environmental protection laws, which would give the military clearance to deploy the system. The Navy has said its sonar, designed to detect quiet submarines by emitting sound waves at 180 decibels, does not pose a significant threat to marine life.
Environmentalists say more research is needed.
An environmental impact report commissioned by the Navy found that humpback whales stopped singing or extended their mating songs when exposed to the sounds. However, there were no biologically significant responses from the whales, or the effects were temporary, said Lt. Jensin Sommer, a Navy spokeswoman. The second meeting will be held tomorrow in Honolulu.