Save the whales and spare the ammunition
Credit: AP
Score one for the whales.
A federal appeals court has rejected the Bush administration’s decision to exempt the Navy from environmental laws so it can conduct high-intensity sonar training off southern California. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Natural Resources Defense Council, rejecting the Navy's appeal of restrictions prohibiting the high-powered sonar within 12 nautical miles.
The court also set other limits that could affect Navy training exercises to begin this month. The Navy acknowledges that the next two years of drills will significantly disturb or injure 170,000 marine mammals, including permanently injuring more than 450 whales and impairing the hearing of at least 8,000 others.
The Navy said the restrictions will limit its ability to conduct anti-submarine warfare training and possibly prevent certification of naval strike groups preparing for service in the Persian Gulf.
It's hard not to like whales. They're bigger than us, they’ve been on the planet much longer than us and yet they haven’t done nearly as much damage.
But what do you think? Are the national security issues here worth allowing the Navy to do what it says is necessary, even at the cost of harming whales and other marine life. Or should the training be put off or modified – in ways the Navy doesn’t like.
There’s more on the story here.
Comments
What gives us the right to harm a wonderful species of animal that has been on this earth a heck of a lot longer than we have. We need to figure out another way to conduct our training tests!!!!
Posted by: jay baxter | March 3, 2008 4:02 PM
I'm not considered an environmentalist, but this is rediculous, more people need to be aware of how much harm these operations have caused on the ocean wildlife! Thank you federal appeals court!
Posted by: Nicole | March 3, 2008 4:05 PM
The sky is blue the sea is green-in our yellow submarine...we all live in a yellow submarine...:)
Posted by: muffy | March 3, 2008 4:28 PM
whales are tasty
Posted by: Anonymous | March 3, 2008 4:43 PM
If you would like to find out more about marine mammals around the planet, check out http://www.planetflipper.com. Here you will find up to date information and will be able to share your thoughts and opinions on these incredible creatures!
Posted by: brittany | March 3, 2008 6:46 PM
we must also remember we dmust complete test like these to stay on the top of things. survival of the fittest as well, if we all want to keep tucking our nuts we will soon be taken over. just my 2 cents.
Posted by: gfunk | March 3, 2008 8:10 PM
Thanks to the courts for helping to save the whales and other marine life! I find it hard to believe the Navy would actually contduct such debilitating tests. When I first read about these tests, I really questioned the validity of the story.
Posted by: E. Tag | March 3, 2008 8:22 PM
The Navy isn't in business to save whales. They are in business to protect our shores from potential enemies. While whales do not fall under that list, some quarter must be given for our survival. As with all things, there must be compromise. If the Navy needs to use that specific area, then they need to say so.
Posted by: bryanintimonium | March 4, 2008 10:30 AM