Re: “Legal Action Threatened Against Navy for Sonar Testing Issue.” This is a training not a testing issue, and it is crucial we train sailors in complex exercises that model the way they will fight in combat. We have conducted such exercises for decades off the coast of Southern California, without incident. In fact, marine mammal stocks there are increasing.
The Navy works very closely with the federal regulator, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), on compliance with statutes applicable to its use of active sonar. The Navy employs 29 science-based mitigation measures, approved by NMFS, during all active sonar training. Some of those measures coincide with the conditions the California Coastal Commission requested us to employ. The others the Commission sought were without scientific merit and would significantly reduce the realism of critical training.
The Bahamas stranding report, published by Navy and NMFS, makes it clear that a specific and unique combination of conditions led to those strandings. We now use mitigation measures to avoid those conditions.
Because of our deep commitment to protecting the environment, we invest over $10 million annually in research on sonar and marine mammals, making us one of the world leaders. That research has led, and will lead, to better understanding and protective measures.
The Navy must base its policy decisions on science, because sailors’ lives are at stake. We’re working very hard to further our knowledge for that reason.
James A. Symonds
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
Director Environmental Readiness
Arlington,