Posted on 12/24/2001 11:26:54 AM PST by Byron_the_Aussie
A high-level investigation into a mysterious mass stranding of whales may offer an insight into why they so regularly beach themselves, and may force changes to way ships use sonar.
For years scientists and conservationists have tried to prove a link between the death of whales and noise pollution - military sonar, explosions, seismic tests for the oil industry and other man-made noises, which may be inaudible to us but deafening to sea creatures.
The United States Navy has now admitted that sonar emitted from its warships in the Bahamas in March last year contributed to the death of seven whales and the stranding of 10 others.
It is the first time the US Navy has accepted responsibility for such an incident and has resulted in a recommendation that measures be adopted to prevent other mass strandings.
Until now, efforts to link underwater noise pollution with whale deaths and strandings have been thwarted because whale carcasses decompose quickly.
But on March 15-16 last year, whales were washed up on to a beach near the home of the director of the Washington-based Centre for Whale Research. He made sure the remains were well preserved.
Conservationists in Australia have long been concerned about noise pollution and its impact on marine life. The campaigns director with the Australian Conservation Foundation, John Connor, said seismic testing by mining companies was of particular concern.
"For the whales it's like having a rock concert next door without any planning approvals whatsoever," Mr Connor said.
"All seismic testing and sonar equipment should have approval from the Commonwealth Environment Minister."
A joint report by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the US Navy says that 17 cetaceans from four species were found stranded within a 36-hour period along a 240-kilometre arc in the Northeast and Northwest Providence Channels of the northern Bahamas Islands.
Five whales were given post-mortem examinations. These "were in good body condition, and none showed evidence of debilitating infectious disease, ship strike, blunt contact trauma, or fishery related injuries".
However, hemorrhages were found near the ears. "Pathologists concluded that the hemorrhages occurred before death and would not necessarily have been fatal or have caused permanent hearing loss in terrestrial mammals. However, such hemorrhages ... may have compromised hearing or navigational abilities, resulting in disorientation and subsequent stranding."
The report says it is still not understood how the whales were injured by the sonar and more research is required.
"Based on the way in which the strandings coincided with ongoing naval activity involving tactical mid-range frequency sonar use ... the investigation team concludes that tactical mid-range frequency sonars aboard US Navy ships ... were the most plausible source of this acoustic or impulse trauma."
You don't need to be a PETA nut to be concerned about this problem. Now that the cause of the whale deaths is better understood, perhaps scientists and the Navy can work toward a solution which won't comprimise military preparedness.
Hoo yeah.
This is what they'll be talking about over their Christmas tofu, mate.
Hillary??
The Japanese love sonar, no doubt!
"......Action Alerts
Stop Navy From Killing Whales
The U.S. Navy has asked the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to allow the harassment and killing of whales and dolphins during testing and deployment of its low frequency active sonar (LFAS) system. LFAS produces noise so intense that it can lead to mass strandings, serious injury, and death for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Your help is needed NOW to stop the Navy from harming these animals.
Please write to the NMFS, asking the agency to deny the Navy's request for an incidental take permit that would allow the harming of animals. Send your letters to....."
http://www.peta-online.org/search/alerts/row.asp?id=169
Put "Curb Feelers" on all our subs?
(Whales ARE a "Renewable Resource" ya know.. )
Instead of trying to find the cause, they are trying to prove the link. Scientists with an agenda are a very dangerous thing.
Stay Safe !
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