Navy Sued Over Sonar Drills Off Hawaii - AP

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Source: Associated Press

Navy Sued Over Sonar Drills Off Hawaii

By AUDREY McAVOY
The Associated Press
Wednesday, May 16, 2007; 11:37 PM

HONOLULU -- Environmental groups sued the Navy on Wednesday
to compel steps they believe would protect marine mammals
when sailors use sonar to practice submarine hunting off Hawaii.

The groups want the court to prohibit naval sonar exercises near
Hawaii until sailors adopt mitigation measures to protect marine
mammals, citing studies saying Navy sonar can "kill, injure, or
significantly alter the behavior of whales and dolphins."

The suit says the Navy plans a series of up to 12 anti-submarine
warfare exercises off Hawaii through next year.

Earthjustice sued in federal court in Honolulu on behalf of five
groups, including the Ocean Mammal Institute and the Animal
Welfare Institute.

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Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/16/AR2007051603193.html