Justices to settle fight over sonar and whales

After years of being tied up by litigation over using sonar that can harm whales, the U.S. Navy finally got what it wanted: a chance for the U.S. Supreme Court to cut the legal legs off these federal environmental cases.

The highest court in the land agreed today to take the case that argues the Navy should step up its safeguards when using sub-hunting sonar in waters fat with whales. Arguments will come in the fall and a decision is likely to follow next year.

The case focuses on training of aircraft carrier battle groups in waters off Southern California. Federal judges in California have sided repeatedly with the Natural Resources Defense Council and other conservation groups that want the Navy to take more precautions when using sonar, which can panic whales, dolphins and other marine mammals.

Although this long-running court fight has gained considerable attention, what's less known is that this legal action only covers a fraction of the Navy's use of sonar in Southern California waters. The fight focuses on the official testing and evaluation needed to certify that an aircraft carrier and its accompanying ships are combat ready. Other warships routinely ping the waters in training missions off Southern California without fanfare.

-- Kenneth R. Weiss

Photo: Rick Loomis/Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Lyn Canon]

Why is this even an issue? The proof shows that it hurts the marine life so why even talk about it - just don't do it. The Navy needs to find another plan. Hey, why not just go test in the waters where there are no fish anymore due to government approved overfishing? There ya go!

[Tara Nemeth]

We know about the harm problems like overcrowding and overfishing are doing to our wildlife. It's a terrifying thought that something as seemingly harmless as sonar can actually be doing as much harm as some of the more known problems. Thank you for commenting on this issue and please keep us updated.

[J. Paul Jones]

What a great idea ... Ivan and friends can transmit whale sounds underwater and park their subs right off of Malibu ....

[Andrew]

J.Paul Jones

You must have missed the Republican memo. The enemy we are supposed to be terrified isn't the Russians anymore. Get your outrage straight. Or is it that it's too hard to make the case that "terrorists" will be using advanced nuclear subs?