NOAA Seeks Sonar Use Comments for Southern California

Posted by Alan Sorum Oct 16, 2008

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking public input on the agency's authorization of naval training exercises to be held offshore of Southern California. NOAA's proposed authorization includes what it believes are sufficient protective measures that must be followed by the Navy to protect marine mammals. The deadline for public comments is 13 November 2008.

Training activities proposed by the Navy involve the use of tactical sonar and explosives. There has been national concern about the effects of sonar on whales and it possible connection to stranding events. Use of explosives near a marine mammal can certainly effect hearing and normal behavior. NOAA is pointing out that this authorization for Southern California is not part of current litigation being addressed by the Supreme Court.

A number of mitigation measures are being promoted by NOAA:

• Establishment of marine mammal safety zones around boats that use sonar
• Use of marine mammal observers that can shut-down exercises if an animal come too close to a vessel
• Establishment of explosive use exclusion zones near marine mammals
• Development of a whale stranding response plan
• Support of NOAA research of whale stranding events

People interested in this proposal being forwarded by NOAA are encouraged to comment. Address written comments to:

Michael Payne, Chief of the Permits, Conservation, and Education Division

Office of Protected Resources, NMFS

1315 East West Highway

Silver Spring, MD 20910

Comments can be made online at the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Use the identifier 0648-AW91.