Navy: Sonar, Blasts Way Harmful Than We Thought

1.6K whales, dolphins could face injury, hearing loss in year
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted May 11, 2012 9:52 AM CDT
Navy: Sonar, Blasts Way Harmful Than We Thought
The Navy says its sonar and explosives could pose a serious threat to dolphins and whales.   (Shutterstock)

The Navy's use of sonar and explosives could deal damage to some 1,600 marine mammals near California and Hawaii every year—a figure far higher than once believed. The whales and dolphins are at risk of hearing loss and other injuries, the AP reports. What's more, the explosives could accidentally kill up to 200 animals. An earlier study assessing the risk between 2009 and 2013 predicted that just 100 creatures could be hurt or killed. The new research is part of an environmental impact statement that considers the Navy's plans between 2014 and 2019. (More whales stories.)

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