The U.S. Navy is asking to be allowed to use high-powered sonar in training exercises off the California coast despite possible risk to the environment.

An attorney for the Navy told a federal appeals judge this week that the sonar causes only "temporary and minor problems" for marine animals, the Los Angeles Times said Friday. A temporary ban by a district judge this summer was set aside by a federal appeals court until the matter could be sorted out, the newspaper said.

Environmental groups and the California Coastal Commission say mid-frequency sonar has been linked to the deaths of whales and dolphins.

A Justice Department lawyer says the Navy needs the sonar to detect possible threats from quiet diesel-electric submarines owned by potentially hostile nations. 
 // Copyright 2007 by United Press International


Publication date: 12 November 2007   

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