Whales vs. warriors. That's how one judge views the current debate over the Navy's testing of high-powered sonar, which some scientists say has caused massive whale strandings and panicked behavior. The Navy argues that the tests are critical, and that high-frequency sonar is the best way to detect quiet enemy submarines.
The National Resources Defense Council sued the Navy to stop its latest round of testing, set to take place off the Southern California coast, and a federal appeals court sided with the Navy, granting a temporary go-ahead. One judge wrote that it's a question of the safety of our whales vs. that of our warriors, but another noted that there's no reason the Navy couldn't take certain precautions during its testing to avoid hurting marine life. The fight isn't over—another hearing is scheduled for November 5.—Gregory Mone
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I think they could test the sonar in freshwater instead of saltwater for a start. Test the sonar in a lake somewhere. That would also help the navy in finding subs that may make it into a river. Also, testing it in freshwater would see if the freshwater had anything in it that may cause a glitch or anything.
what is the deal here? we use sonar because it works! wales use it because it works! okay look we stole their adaptations but hey its all in the name of defense of our freedoms. Our national defense agencies have to goto court just to test something they have been doing for over a decade. Sure I am all for change and animal rights, but come on! we are impeading the people who protect us! Sonar keeps the subs safe which the subs give us more ELINT (Electronic Intellegence) that inturn allows our leaders to make better descions about the world around us.
In conclusion it is all and well that the defense agencies have to go through the same system of justice as the rest of us it worries me that someone would willingly endager themselves on the global defense level. Maybe they are not aware of the danger they are stepping into. Just as the defense contractors may not be aware of the POTENTIAL harm they could be causing to wale patterns of life. All in all life goes on in the global struggle.
Wake up people! Three whales already washed up in Southern California, how many more need to be sacrificed when there are viable alternatives. It's not just about the whales, it's about common sense and respect for all of life. END THE HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN MILITARY FUNDING NOW!