Unveiling the Hidden Consequences: How Military SONAR Affects Marine Life

In 2015, the U.S. District Court made a ruling that had a significant impact on the Navy War Games conducted along the coasts of Southern California and Hawaii. The court declared that these war games violated laws aimed at protecting whales and dolphins. The disruptions caused by the war games, which included high-intensity sonar exercises and underwater detonations, were found to interfere with the feeding, communication, and mating behaviors of marine animals. This ruling compelled the U.S. Navy to reconsider its five-year plan.

Responding to the court’s decision and the concerns raised by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the U.S. Navy began implementing measures to limit SONAR testing. The NMFS is tasked with safeguarding marine animals in the country, and its involvement in the issue signified the importance of protecting marine life.

Further developments on this matter emerged three years later. The U.S. Department of Defense released a document focused on Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing. This document outlined the Navy’s existing mitigation measures, designed to prevent harm to marine animals. One of these measures involved assigning lookouts and designating mitigation areas that protect vital seafloor resources, including shallow coral reefs, artificial reefs, and live hard bottoms. The document also detailed rules such as immediately ceasing activities when a marine mammal or sea turtle is sighted, as well as avoiding crucial areas during specific times of the year.

Unfortunately, as of now, SONAR technology remains an integral part of naval military operations. Nevertheless, with the implementation of legislation and a deeper understanding of the seafloor, military units can strategically avoid areas where SONAR technology is likely to cause the most harm. It is hoped that, in the future, technological advancements will yield quieter and more efficient navigation methods.