Noise pollutions

1 mai 2008

Multiple whale strandings in Scotland and Ireland

Approximately 40 beaked and pilot whales have stranded on the west coast of Scotland and Ireland since early February. This unusually high number represents an increase over the average annual number of strandings for these species in these regions. The strandings could be linked to the use of military sonar during training exercises that were underway at the time. Furthermore, they occurred just as British and NATO forces were preparing additional military exercises—code named Joint Warrior 081—set to begin on April 19 in a sensitive marine area that is home to several whale and dolphin species.

The carcasses of 11 Cuvier's beaked whales, 10 pilot whales and three Sowerby's beaked whales came ashore on the west coast of Scotland in advanced stages of decomposition, revealing that these cetaceans did, in fact, die at sea. The spokesman for the British Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society emphasizes that other cetaceans likely died and drifted at sea or stranded unnoticed on any of the hundreds of isolated Scottish west coast beaches, rocky shores and inaccessible islands. Five beaked whales and 12 pilot whales also stranded during the same period on the west coast of Ireland.

Is military sonar to blame, as it is in other regions of the globe?

Marine mammal conservation groups in this portion of the North Atlantic are requesting that the British Minister of Defence proceed with an inquest to establish whether or not there is a connection between these strandings and the use of military sonar. They are also pushing the military for a long-term engagement to prevent these deaths and requesting funding to carry out independent studies on cetacean distribution in these areas at different times of the year. They are asking that concrete measures be established to reduce the impacts of sonar-generated sound. While this may be a first in the U.K., proof of a direct association between military sonar use and multiple strandings of various whale species is mounting elsewhere in the world.

Although scientist have very little data on the lives of these three cetacean species—particularly the beaked whales that live at great depths—there is great interest in counting them and gaining more information about how they live in order ensure better protection. Beaked whales are especially sensitive to sonar frequencies that can force them to surface too quickly, leading to serious internal injuries. Meanwhile, a similar issue in the United States has led to a federal justice decision to require that the U.S. Navy reduce sonar transmissions off California and not use sonar within 12 nautical miles of the coast or in an area inhabited by marine mammals. [Stornoway Gazette, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, Independent.ie, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, NRDC]

Pour en savoir plus

On the Stornoway Gazette site:

11 octobre 2007

The Gros-Cacouna project: two year delay and a new construction method

Promoters of the Gros-Cacouna light natural gas terminal have just announced a two-year construction delay. Reasons given include an increase in construction costs from 660 million to one billion dollars and the fact that an agreement has yet to be signed with the Russian company Gazprom, one of the world's key suppliers of natural gas.

Ballooning construction costs…

The budget increase is due to the inflation of material cost on international markets—notably metal—and increased labour costs. Construction is now set to begin in late 2008 and the terminal will be operational by 2012, instead of in 2010. The promoter, Énergie Cacouna, has devised a different construction method for the marine portion of the infrastructure that could, in its opinion, minimize impacts on both the environment and marine mammals, as well as reducing costs. The terminal would be built on land and then transported and installed on the water. Results of new studies into this building method will be made available in early 2008.

… to save beluga whales?

The original project received final approval from both the federal and provincial governments last June 27. Previous approval had already been given by the federal joint review panel and the provincial environmental public assessment commission (BAPE). Robert Michaud of the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM) was concerned about the impacts the construction at sea would have on the resident St. Lawrence beluga whale population. This population is listed as threatened. Moreover, as Mr. Michaud stated, the area where the construction would be taking place is in a zone that is heavily frequented by a community of female beluga whales and their offspring. This type of under-water construction generates sound levels capable of changing the behaviour of, stressing and even injuring beluga whales. Hearing is essential for these animals to navigate, find food, communicate and maintain coherent social structures. This species has already been weakened by decades of hunting—up until 1979—and the chemical contamination of its habitat by the runoff of human activities on and near the River. During BAPE hearings, Robert Michaud therefore made a formal recommendation that offshore construction not take place during the most sensitive time of the year, from mid-June to mid-September, in order to guarantee the safety of females and their newborn calves. This recommendation was not retained. [Cyberpresse, Canoë]

Pour en savoir plus

On cyberpresse.ca:

12 juillet 2007

Cacouna has been authorized; are beluga whales protected?

Federal and provincial governments gave the go-ahead for the Gros-Cacouna liquefied natural gas terminal on June 27. The 500 million dollar plus project had already received the approval of the provincial environmental public assessment commission (BAPE) and the federal joint review panel. While construction of the terminal may provide economic benefits and jobs in the Rivière-du-Loup area, it also raises numerous environmental concerns. The Conseil régional de l'environnement du Bas-Saint-Laurent (CREBSL) has issued a press release with regards to these concerns. The same apprehensions were also raised for a second proposed liquefied natural gas terminal in Quebec: the Rabaska project in Lévis. This project has just received a positive evaluation contained in a joint report produced by the BAPE and the joint review panel.

What is unique to the Cacouna project is that the proposed construction area is also a calving ground for threatened St. Lawrence beluga whales.

A brief overview of the project The terminal will be used to transfer and store liquefied natural gas shipped from Russia and Algeria. The imported gas will then be piped to service Quebec, Ontario and the northeastern United States. The green light has not yet been given for the construction of the pipeline that will be used to transport the gas from Cacouna to its final destination. The terminal is set to become operational in 2010 after three years of construction. The promoter, Énergie Cacouna, is made up of Trans Canada Pipelines Ltd, which is responsible for the liquefied natural gas terminal and pipeline, and of Petro-Canada, which is in charge of supplying the gas and shipping.

A threat to the beluga whale Robert Michaud of the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM) has been engaged in a long-term research project on St. Lawrence beluga whales since 1989. In his report—presented to the BAPE and the joint review panel during the evaluation of the Cacouna project—Mr. Michaud emphasized the fact that this area is assiduously utilized by a community of females accompanied by their offspring, the most vulnerable segment of this threatened population. He is particularly concerned about the offshore construction work that will generate noise levels harmful to beluga whales, noise that could lead to behavioural changes, increased stress and even injury. GREMM therefore recommended that offshore construction not take place during the most sensitive time of the year, from mid-June to October, when females are calving and caring for newborn whales. This recommendation was sent directly to the promoter who had consulted GREMM with regard to this subject. The recommendation was not retained. It was reiterated during BAPE and joint review panel proceedings and, again, was not retained.

Will Fisheries and Oceans Canada protect beluga whales? The area off Cacouna is within the future St. Lawrence Estuary Marine Protected Area that borders on the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park. Furthermore, the St. Lawrence beluga whale and its essential habitats are protected under the Species at Risk Act. GREMM had hoped that these combined conditions would be sufficient to ensure the security of beluga whales near Cacouna.

Furthermore, specialists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada recently submitted an advisory report within the context of a special response process of the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS). They also recommended the interruption of offshore work from mid-June to mid-September in order to adequately protect female beluga whales and their newborn calves.

The project has received approval from both levels of government, without any details concerning beluga whale protection. Thus, all stages completed to date have not produced any guarantees for the security of female beluga whales and their calves on the proposed liquefied natural gas terminal construction site at Gros Cacouna. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for regulating construction in the marine environment. The authority to protect beluga whales from a threat that has been well documented by both independent and Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists is now entirely in the hands of those in charge of this ministry. [Le Devoir, The Montreal Gazette, GREMM, CSAS]

Pour en savoir plus

Report submitted by Robert Michaud of the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM) to the BAPE and the joint review panel in 2006 (In French only):

5 juillet 2007

Mythical humpback whale is a powerful force

Although whales have always fascinated humans, some of them are particularly compelling. Such is the case of a certain humpback whale that haunts the Queensland coast in Australia. Its name is Migaloo and, in contrast to its fellow humpback whales that are mainly black, it is entirely white.

Migaloo has recently made the headlines by influencing the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to move its military exercises from Shoalwater Bay, Queensland. The reasoning behind the eventual relocation is that the sonar used by ADF could disturb cetaceans in the area. Commander Peter Lockwood has stated that while special precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of the marine mammals, other sites are being considered for future exercises.

Migaloo's white colour remains a mystery for University of Queensland researchers who study the migrations of this humpback whale population. He could be an albino or, more likely, simply an animal with white pigmentation. The results of genetic analysis have revealed that Migaloo is a male whale. According to University of Queensland research head Dr. Mike Noad the white whale is a member of a humpback whale population that “is doing extraordinarily well”. Dr. Noad's team estimates that as many as 10 000 humpback whales will undertake the annual migration to the Great Barrier Reef.

Concerns over ADF military exercises are mainly associated with high intensity sounds generated by some of their equipment. The overall effect of noise pollution on whales depends on sound intensity and distance of the animals from the source. If the sound is powerful and the whales are close it could lead to permanent hearing loss, internal injuries and even death. Less powerful sounds can nonetheless lead to temporary hearing loss. Due to the fact that whales use sound during most of their daily activities, such as eating, orientation and communication, a hearing problem could represent a serious handicap and may even prove fatal. [University of Queensland, ABC News, Sydney Morning Herald]

Pour en savoir plus

On University of Queensland site:

14 décembre 2006

Cacouna: beluga whales are not worth much according to BAPE report

The joint report of the provincial BAPE (Quebec's environmental public hearings commission) and the federal joint commission concerning the Énergie Cacouna project was made public on December 12. It concluded that the construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal in Cacouna be conditional to approval of the projected pipeline on which it would depend. The pipeline has not yet been subjected to a public environmental review and is already raising concerns for groups and individuals who came forward during hearings into the Énergie Cacouna project.

The commission also concluded that uncertainties subsist with respect to the effectiveness of mitigation measures proposed to deal with noise during the construction phase of the project. In fact, according to Robert Michaud of the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), noise during construction could seriously affect beluga whales, forcing a community of gestating females and their offspring to abandon essential habitat and creating risk of injury. Based on these reasons, GREMM recommended that no construction work take place during the months of June through October. This recommendation was not adopted in the commission's report.

The St. Lawrence beluga whale is an endangered species. The population has shown no signs of growth since hunting stopped, even though there is nothing to indicate an abnormally high mortality rate. It therefore appears that this population is having reproductive problems and that contamination, stress or habitat loss could be to blame. The waters off Cacouna represent the territory of one of the three female St. Lawrence beluga whale communities. They return between June and October to give birth to their calves and to raise them during their first months of life.

The absence of firm recommendations to protect female beluga whales and their calves during the construction period worries GREMM researchers. If the project goes forward, responsibility to manage construction work in the marine environment falls to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), which could then choose to impose measures to protect the beluga whales and this critical habitat. Before this stage, Québec City and Ottawa must analyze the commission's report and make their decision known as to the continuance of the project. [BAPE, GREMM]

Pour en savoir plus

12 octobre 2006

GREMM asserts that the Énergie Cacouna project threatens beluga whales

Today the BAPE (Quebec's public environmental consultation commission) evaluation of the Énergie Cacouna project received the final public comments concerning changes to the project put forward by its promoter. On June 8, a total of 93 reports from the general public were tabled in reaction to the proposed construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal off Cacouna in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. The BAPE will publish its report and recommendations on November 10.

Too much noise in the beluga whale nursery According to the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM) the construction phase of the project—predicted to last three years—incorporates unacceptable risks for the threatened St. Lawrence beluga whale population. Females and their calves regularly occupy the proposed construction site during calving and nursing. The intense noise associated with the construction of the terminal could force gestating females—along with new mothers and newborn calves—to abandon this essential habitat. Furthermore, according to GREMM, the project modifications proposed by the promoter last August are likely to increase the risks of injury to these animals.

GREMM therefore recommends a ban on the maritime construction work proposed by Énergie Cacouna between the months of June and October. The promoter had consulted GREMM before tabling his project and chose to ignore these recommendations. Robert Michaud, GREMM's president and scientific director, stresses that this area is situated near the limits of the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park and falls within the limits of the future St. Lawrence Estuary Marine Protected Area (MPA). He further notes that it constitutes critical habitat for a threatened species that has been recognized as such by Canada's Species at Risk Act (SARA). Mr. Michaud concludes his recommendations to the BAPE thus: “If the combined status of threatened species, critical habitat, Marine Park and Marine Protected Area, all of which are formally enshrined in legislation, are insufficient to adequately protect beluga whales from a very real threat, what are they good for?”

Two other liquefied natural gas terminal projects in Quebec Two other liquefied natural gas terminal projects are on the books, one in Lévis near Québec City is proposed by the Rabaska consortium, the other at Grande-Anse in the Saguenay River is being promoted by Énergie Grande Anse. The BAPE announced this week that it would hold information sessions on the Rabaska project. These sessions will be held on October 24 in Lévis and on October 25 in Saint-Pierre-de-l'Île-d'Orléans. In its BAPE report, GREMM also condemns the fact that Quebec's energy development and supply projects are unfortunately always examined separately. In these conditions it is at best difficult and often impossible to evaluate the merits of each project. [BAPE, GREMM]

Pour en savoir plus

21 septembre 2006

Ocean noise has increased considerably in the Pacific Ocean

Results from this study, conducted at the University of California by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, have just been published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (JASA). Acoustic recordings were made in 2003-2004 in an area situated 160 nautical miles west of San Diego and then compared with U.S. Navy recordings from 1964 to 1966. Results show that underwater ocean noise has increased tenfold, an average of three decibels per decade.

This intensification in noise pollution is attributable to the global increase of commercial shipping as well as the fact that ships are larger, faster and have more propulsion power. The world's commercial fleet has more than doubled in the past 38 years from 41 865 in 1965 to 89 899 in 2003. Researchers estimate that noise originates throughout the North Pacific and is representative of the entire ocean.

John Hildebrand, the professor in charge of the research, has said that recurring acoustic measurements at multiple sites are required for a better understanding of the impacts of this noise on marine species and that the effects on marine mammals are still poorly understood. He goes on to theorize that possible steps could be taken to protect marine mammals and, as an example, proposes shipping lanes be moved away from areas where marine mammals are concentrated. According to Hildebrand, the impact of noise pollution can be minimized by reducing sound at its source or by separating the noise from animals that are sensitive to it. He is attempting to determine why, on an individual basis, modern ships have become noisier. [AquaNews, Scripps]

Pour en savoir plus

On AquaNews site:

20 juillet 2006

The use of military sonar near the Hawaiian Islands: a compromise between the military and environmentalists

On July 18, in the presence of the federal justice system, environmental groups and the U.S. Navy came to an agreement over the use of mid-frequency active sonar in the newly created marine nature preserve. Situated near the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean, this zone is frequented by several species of whales and dolphins.

In October of 2005, these same environmental groups lodged a complaint demanding the postponement of sonar tests. They believe that this type of sonar threatens the lives of marine mammals. According to these groups, the Navy was breaking U.S. laws; it was required to supply an evaluation before taking any action that could have an impact on the environment and threatened species. On July 4, the federal judge from Los Angeles temporarily restricted the U.S. Navy from using these types of sonar, judging that the plaintiffs had based their complaint on undeniable scientific data.

In order to carry out tests the military must therefore maintain a buffer of 25 nautical miles from this zone. Before using the sonar they must also fly over the area and carry out acoustic surveys in order to ensure that marine mammals are not near their vessels.

These types of sonar are used to detect the most recent generation of silent submarines. They fill the water column with very powerful sound explosions (approximately 215 decibels) that can cause serious disturbance to the echolocation systems of marine mammals, along with acute internal injuries that can even cause death. [Chicago Sun-Times, IOL, Universal Press Agency]

Pour en savoir plus

On Chicago Sun-Times site:

20 juillet 2006

The use of military sonar near the Hawaiian Islands: a compromise between the military and environmentalists

On July 18, in the presence of the federal justice system, environmental groups and the U.S. Navy came to an agreement over the use of mid-frequency active sonar in the newly created marine nature preserve. Situated near the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean, this zone is frequented by several species of whales and dolphins.

In October of 2005, these same environmental groups lodged a complaint demanding the postponement of sonar tests. They believe that this type of sonar threatens the lives of marine mammals. According to these groups, the Navy was breaking U.S. laws; it was required to supply an evaluation before taking any action that could have an impact on the environment and threatened species. On July 4, the federal judge from Los Angeles temporarily restricted the U.S. Navy from using these types of sonar, judging that the plaintiffs had based their complaint on undeniable scientific data.

In order to carry out tests the military must therefore maintain a buffer of 25 nautical miles from this zone. Before using the sonar they must also fly over the area and carry out acoustic surveys in order to ensure that marine mammals are not near their vessels.

These types of sonar are used to detect the most recent generation of silent submarines. They fill the water column with very powerful sound explosions (approximately 215 decibels) that can cause serious disturbance to the echolocation systems of marine mammals, along with acute internal injuries that can even cause death. [Chicago Sun-Times, IOL, Universal Press Agency]

Pour en savoir plus

On Chicago Sun-Times site:

11 mai 2006

Noise from port and marine platforms disturbs dolphins

British researcher, J.A. David has just published a study on bottlenose dolphins suffering from the effects of noise pollution on the West Coast of the United Kingdom. Although these dolphins live in special conservation zones, they are at risk of being affected by sound generated by machinery used in the construction of near shore port and industrial structures.

The pile drivers used in this type of construction produce repetitive detonations. Noise from the detonations is detectable up to 40 km from the source and can mask dolphin vocalizations, interfering with their ability to communicate and echolocate. Dolphins send and receive sounds as they move through the water to orient themselves, detect prey and avoid predators. The study demonstrates that females and their offspring are particularly vulnerable; after being subjected to this type of noise pollution, they present signs of hearing loss and temporarily change habitat.

Noise pollution is increasing…

The traditional construction of bridges, wharves and dykes in port areas requires the use of this type of machinery that strikes and perforates the seabed in order to place pylons for their foundations. More recently, this same method has also been used in the construction of off-shore oil platforms and coastal platforms for the establishment of wind farms, the number of which has been on the increase in several countries.

but it can be limited

The study also mentions the possibility of introducing mitigating measures to reduce the negative effects of these machines. The creation of a bubble curtain around work areas has been used to keep animals at a distance and to reduce the propagation of sound caused by the pile drivers. Other methods of limiting disturbance include interrupting operations when cetaceans are present, restricting the use of pile drivers to low tide periods and suspending all activity during calving season. These measures—recently tested in a U.S. research programme and on several constructions sites around the world—are recommended, especially in sensitive habitats or in marine mammal migration corridors. [Environment News Service, Edie News Centre, Matinternet]

Pour en savoir plus

On Environment News Service site:

23 février 2006

Military sonar: a U.S. federal agency sides with environmentalists

In a technical letter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expressed reticence and concern over the underwater sonar training range that the U.S. Navy plans to build in the North Atlantic off North Carolina. NOAA is the federal U.S. agency specialized in dealing with questions regarding the marine environment. According to U.S. environmental law, the Navy must obtain NOAA approval in order to carry out a project with the potential to disturb or kill marine mammals.

The proposed range, made up of mid-frequency sonar, would cover a 1730 km2 area. It would be used to train sailors to detect submarines. In their environmental impact study, the U.S. Navy predicted their sonar could disturb marine mammals, not kill them. NOAA condemns this conclusion asserting that the U.S. Navy has neglected recent reports that establish a link between fatal whale strandings and the use of mid-frequency sonar. The agency also questions the Navy statement that sounds generated nearly 80 km off shore would not disturb highly endangered North Atlantic right whales. In fact, several individual right whales travel much closer to the proposed training zone than the Navy has acknowledged. Finally, the sounds used would be between 10 and 100 times stronger than the level recommended by NOAA.

This gesture by NOAA has been applauded by environmental groups, which are trying to put a stop to the U.S. Navy project. A U.S. Navy training session in 2000 off the Bahamas led to the death of several whales of different species. In 2002, a number of beaked whales died in the Canary Island as a result of NATO training exercises. Several other whale-stranding events are suspected of being linked to the use of military sonar. Notably, one such event occurred in January 2005 when 37 cetaceans came ashore on the beaches of North Carolina.

Pour en savoir plus

On MyrtleBeachOnline.com:

27 October 2005

Military SONAR: a coalition sues the U.S. Navy

A coalition of environmental groups, represented by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), has filed a new lawsuit against the U.S. Navy in the Los Angeles federal court. The rationale of the lawsuit is to force the U.S. Navy to review how it uses its mid-frequency sonar.

Two years ago a federal court judge ruled in favour of a coalition represented by NRDC in a lawsuit to block the deployment of low-frequency sonar. The ruling prevented the global deployment of this system and restricted its use for testing and training to a limited area of the western North Pacific Ocean. Plaintiff allegations in the new lawsuit are the same as they were in the previous one: the use of mid-frequency sonar contravenes the National Environmental Policy Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.

NRDC submitted a formal letter to the secretary of the U.S. Navy in June of 2004 requesting a dialogue on possible measures to mitigate the use of sonar. The Navy did not respond to this letter. By bringing their cause before the federal court, the plaintiffs hope to compel the U.S. Navy to develop a mitigation plan to reduce the impacts of their activities on marine mammals. Proposed measures could include everything from putting rich marine mammal habitat off limits to not using sonar in the presence of marine mammals and using passive sonar to detect marine mammals before training exercises.

Mid-frequency sonar is the most commonly used system used aboard U.S. naval vessels to locate submarines and other objects. This type of sonar can emit sounds in excess of 235 decibels. It has been established scientifically that powerful sound can disturb, injure and even kill marine mammals. Several mass strandings of marine mammals have been associated to the use of mid-frequency sonar. The most well documented case is without a doubt the one which took place in the Bahamas in 2002 where 16 whales of three different species stranded along the shore during a military training exercise. Last January, 37 cetaceans of three different species came ashore on North Carolina's Outer Banks following naval exercises. Necropsies were conducted on the beached animals to determine cause of death. However, the U.S. Navy refuses to release the findings of the necropsies despite a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by NRDC. [NRDC]

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On NRDC site :

9 June 2005

Sonar: The NRDC is suing the U.S. government to obtain documents

On Wednesday, June 1, the Natural Resource Defence Council (NRDC) began legal proceedings against the U.S. government. It accuses the government of withholding information that is in the public's interest concerning the mass stranding of marine mammals and the role played by U.S. Navy sonar. This lawsuit was presented before the New York federal court under the Freedom of Information Act.

The NRDC has been investigating this subject for several years. It had requested documents from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Department of Commerce related to mass stranding and the use of sonar over a year ago. Of the thousands of pages expected, only 12 documents totalling fewer than 25 pages have so far been forwarded. Some of the withheld documents are related to the highly publicized mass stranding that took place last January in North Carolina, which caused the death of 35 whales of three different species.

Michael Jasny, senior consultant with the NRDC, accuses the U.S. government of “…sitting on box-loads of data that show the devastating impact of military sonar on whales”. In their annual meeting last year, members of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) investigated the potential threat of sonar and declared that noise generated in the oceans by military sonar and by oil and gas exploration and production was the cause of an increasing number of cetacean deaths.

To date, the NMFS has been involved in investigating several stranding events likely linked to sonar, yet very few reports have been made public. The NRDC therefore requests that the court order the U.S. government hand over these reports. [NRDC]

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On National Resource Defence Council (NRDC) site :

10 March 2005

Mass stranding of dolphins in Florida: is sonar to blame?

Between 70 and 110 rough toothed dolphins—a species that normally swims in deep continental shelf waters—became stranded on sand flats near Marathon in southern Florida on Wednesday March 2. While 15 of them swam away into deeper waters on their own, more than 30 succumbed or had to be euthanized by specialists on site. A total of 26 rough toothed dolphins were transported to the Marine Mammal Conservancy, a rehabilitation centre in Key Largo. Necropsies are presently being carried out on dead animals in an attempt to determine the cause of the mass stranding. For now, two hypotheses have been put forward: red tide bacteria—highly unlikely since the necropsied dolphins had empty stomachs—or U.S. Navy sonar.

Twenty four hours before the stranding, the U.S. Navy submarine USS Philadelphia had been conducting exercises approximately 70 km off Marathon. Although the Navy states that it is investigating the situation, it has refused to confirm or deny the use of sonar. Similarly, the mass stranding off North Carolina last January that caused the death of 35 whales of three different cetacean species is under investigation for the same reasons. Several mass stranding incidents have been linked to the use of low-frequency sonar. In an incident that took place in 2002, 14 beaked whales stranded on beaches in the Canary Islands following NATO military exercises.

The use of low-frequency sonar is a very controversial issue in several countries, particularly the United States. In November of 2002, environmental groups won a case in U.S. federal court when the judge ordered the U.S. Navy to limit the use of low-frequency sonar. One year later the Bush administration pushed the Senate to adopt legislation compromizing this judgement: members voted in favour of exempting the American Defence Department from the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), thus permitting the near unlimited use of Navy sonar. Conversely, the 25 member states of the European Union accepted the establishment of a moratorium on the use of high-intensity sonar—including NATO operations—in their territorial waters. [ENS, Reuters, CNN, Whales online]

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On CNN.com:

4 November 2004

Europe says no to high-intensity sonar

During a meeting in Strasbourg, France in late October, the 25 Member States of the European Union adopted a resolution concerning the use of powerful sonar. In a vote of 441 in favour, 15 against with 14 abstentions, parliamentary representatives accepted the implementation of a moratorium on the use of high-intensity sonar in their jurisdictional waters. The ban is also to include NATO activities. Furthermore, with the adoption of this resolution, Member States are also committed to the study of mass strandings and deaths associated to loud underwater sound transmissions. At the same time, the European Commission will be studying the potential impacts of the use of high-intensity sonar in the marine environment. Finally, the Commission and Member States will work to develop international agreements to regulate noise levels in the world’s oceans.

With the adoption of this resolution, the European Parliament recognizes that several stranding events and mass deaths have been associated with the use of high-intensity sonar. Included in these events are those that occurred in Greece in 1996, in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1998 and 1999, in the Canary Islands in 1985, 1986, 1989 and 2002 and in the Bahamas in 2000. The Parliament and its Member States also recognize that powerful underwater sounds represent a serious threat to marine life, including cetaceans and fish.

The adoption of this resolution is the result of strong pressure from several scientific and conservation groups. The use of powerful sound for military, scientific or commercial ends has raised controversy in several countries. One year ago in the United States, the U.S. Senate exempted its Defence Department from two environmental laws, thus allowing almost unlimited use of these types of sonar. In the province of Quebec, the Bureau des audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE) recognized that powerful sound sources provoke physiological damage and can kill organisms in close proximity. It considers a precautionary approach to be imperative with regards to any seismic surveying carried out in the St. Lawrence Gulf and Estuary. [European Parliament, Whales Online]

This just in (12 November 2004)

Following the adoption of the resolution by the European Union, the 16 Member States of ACCOBAMS–an agreement for the conservation of the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and regions adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean–also adopted a resolution to the effect that human generated noise can disturb, injure or even kill whales and other marine species. The resolution is aimed at limiting the use of powerful sounds in the marine environment, encouraging research pertaining to the subject, developing alternative technologies and, by 2007, developing regulations on sound-generating activities. Spain was the first country to react to the European Union resolution; it announced a ban on all military activities in the waters surrounding the Canary Islands.

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On European Parliament site :

30 September 2004

Oceans of Noise: a WDCS report on noise pollution

After several years of work, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) science team has just published a report entitled Oceans of Noise. This report focuses on up-to-date knowledge of the effects of marine environment noise pollution on cetaceans.

Authors Sarah Dolman, Daniel Owen, E.C.M. (Chris) Parsons, Mark P. Simmonds, René Swift and Lindy Weilgart had originally published the first edition of this report in May 2003 and submitted it at the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) that same year. In September 2004, Oceans of Noise was updated to include the IWC Scientific Committee’s conclusions from their meeting in July 2004on the impacts of anthropogenic noise on cetaceans.

There are many sources of noise in the marine environment, everything from natural sources–like the sound of waves–to powerful sonar used by the military. As for the notable and suspected effects on marine mammals, they are both numerous and serious to the point of causing death. Several mass stranding events have been linked to the use of low frequency sonar. It has been suggested that the deaths of these animals could have been caused by the bends, a condition also suffered by human divers who surface too quickly.

In this report, the authors also present an action plan to counter the threat represented by noise pollution in the marine environment and to diminish its potential effects on marine mammals. Among other things, they suggest that international laws be developed and adopted to regulate noise pollution in the world’s oceans. Further suggestions include: that navies avoid the use of powerful sonar, especially those that use low frequency sound and reduce activities that generate loud, underwater noise; that military and industrial development projects in the marine environment undergo a public evaluation and include a public commitment to reduce noise pollution as much as possible; that national and international conservation zones take into account sources of noise pollution that are outside their limits and establish buffer zones. The authors emphasize the importance of international collaboration to counter this growing threat to the marine environment. [WDCS]

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On WDCS site :

15 January 2004

Sonar Use: A U.S. Federal Court Decides in Favour of Industry

Sonar use still raises plenty of controversy in the United States. The source of the conflict this time is a system developed by Scientific Solutions Inc. to detect whales using sonar.

A little more than a year ago the company was conducting the first tests of its system off the coast of California. Environmental groups took the company to court declaring that the environmental impacts of the project had not been evaluated before the tests began. The judge sided with the environmental groups and temporarily blocked the project, ordering Scientific Solutions Inc. to conduct environmental assessments before applying to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for a new permit.

On December 24, 2003, the company obtained its permit and sonar testing began in early January. Scientific Solutions Inc. believes that the system is safe and that it will help protect whales from dangers such as ship collisions and underwater explosions associated with oil exploration.

Environmental groups went back to court a day after testing began, once again requesting that the judge order a halt to testing. They claim that the company’s assessment was inadequate and that the sonar could disorient the whales, drive them from their feeding grounds and separate mothers from their calves. This time the judge decided that the environmental groups did not provide sufficient proof to justify halting the project. However, he did acquiesce to their request for a hearing to decide whether or not to ban research on the system. The hearing is set to take place next Thursday. [ENN, The Olympian]

This just in: The federal court judge came down with a decision Friday, January 16. Scientific Solutions Inc. researchers will be allowed to continue testing their sonar system on migrating grey whales in the Pacific Ocean. They affirm that no whales have been injured since testing recommenced last January 6. Environmental groups retain their position and add that Scientific Solutions Inc. and the NMFS have not considered potential effects on harbour porpoises, which are particularly sensible to noise. [CNN]

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20 November 2003

The United States Senate Exempts the Defense Department from Two Environmental Laws

The Bush administration has finally won its case. The Senate has authorized the American Defense Department’s exemption from two environmental laws: the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The MMPA is the American law that protects marine mammals in U.S. and international waters from all activity that could harm them.

This decision comes exactly one year after the U.S. Supreme Court came down with an injunction to stop the American Navy’s deployment of low frequency active sonar (LFA) in the world’s oceans. The judge who made the ruling was aware of the damage this type of system could inflict on marine mammals. Last August the same judge ordered the U.S. Navy to negotiate the use of this sonar with environmental organizations. One month later the two parties had come to an agreement to limit their use to Asia’s East Coast.

This agreement has now been compromised by the Senate decision. The new legislation accepted by the Senate gives the U.S. Navy the right to test and use, in American waters and in all oceans of the planet, any technology that defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld deems necessary for the training of U.S. troop. This includes low frequency sonar. Thus, the exemption from the MMPA allows the U.S. Navy to use sonar practically everywhere. This decision comes one month after a study published in Nature magazine linked several mass strandings of cetaceans to the use of low frequency sonar.

One of the main plaintiffs in the controversy surrounding the use of this type of sonar, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), deplores the Senate decision and affirms that this decision compromises existing marine mammal and endangered species protection in the U.S. under these two laws. This weakening of environmental laws will facilitate the authorization of certain scientific studies, such as oceanographic studies that make use of powerful sound emitting devices. These studies are mostly used for oil and gas exploration in the marine environment. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Nature]

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16 October 2003

U.S. Navy Sonar: will its use be restricted?

On the heels of a court judgement in favour of environmental groups, the U.S. Navy has finally come to an agreement with these groups to limit the use of its LFA (Low Frequency Active) sonar to Asia’s eastern seaboard. This sonar system, created to detect modern submarines, was to be deployed in over 75 percent of the world's oceans. Now, in addition to this limited zone, the U.S. Navy must also respect coastal exclusions ranging from 30 to 60 nautical miles and seasonal limits to protect certain species during their migration.

This agreement comes as the Pentagon is lobbying Congress for exemptions to certain provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. These exemptions would allow the U.S. Navy to use low frequency sonar virtually anywhere. They could also lead to expanded seismic exploration–a geophysical data acquisition system based on the emission of powerful sounds–used, among other things, for oil and gas exploration. At the same time, Republicans are working on legislation to replace a federal moratorium on gas and oil development along the U.S. coast.

Several mass stranding events have been associated with the use of low frequency sonar. One example is the mass stranding of 14 beaked whales in the Canary Islands in 2002 during international military exercises in this same area. In a recent issue of Nature, dated last October 9, a team led by Paul Jepson of the London-based Institute of Zoology revealed that the deaths of these cetaceans was probably caused by decompression sickness. This condition comes about when bubbles form in tissues causing serious damage that can lead to death. Sounds produced by the sonar may drive cetaceans to rapidly rise to the surface, which would explain the formation of the bubbles. The bubbles could also be the physical effect of powerful sounds on the gas nuclei present in the tissues of deep diving whales.

The use of powerful sounds in the marine environment also raises serious questions in Canada where there is a strong lobby to conduct seismic surveys for the exploration of petroleum potential along the Pacific Coast, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and along the Atlantic Coast. An affiliation of Quebec organizations is publishing a press release this week asking the Québec Premier to suspend oil and gas exploration activities in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. [Nature, ENN, Yahoo, Whales Online]

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11 September 2003

U.S. Navy Sonar: Federal Court Judgement

On August 26, the U.S. Federal Court came down with its final ruling concerning the deployment of a U.S. Navy sonar system. Last October, Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Laporte had imposed an injunction to stop the deployment of the Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active sonar (SURTASS LFA). She has now ordered the U.S. Navy to reduce potential harm that it could cause to marine mammals and fish by negotiating limited use of the system (where, when and how) with conservation groups. In her judgement she also stated that the permit given to the U.S. Navy by the National Marine Fisheries Service for the deployment of the system violates several laws such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The U.S. Navy had planned on deploying this system in 75 percent of the world’s oceans. The loud, low frequency sounds emitted by the SURTASS LFA can travel thousands of square kilometres, scanning the oceans to detect submarines. These sounds can reach levels of 240 decibels at their source, and between 150 and 160 decibels 200 km away. The U.S. Navy has already confirmed that, at these levels, sound can harm marine mammals.

In March 2000 several species of whales stranded in the Bahamas. An investigation concluded that the use of medium frequency sonar by the U.S. Navy in this area was the cause of this event. In September 2002, several beaked whales died stranded in the Canary Islands as a result of NATO military exercises. More recently, last May, further exercises conducted by the U.S. Navy off Vancouver Island appeared to be the likely cause of the deaths of dozens of harbour porpoises and the erratic behaviour of a group of killer whales.

The plaintiffs, headed by the National Resources Defence Council (NRDC), are pleased with the judge’s decision. The Navy has stated that it is reviewing the decision, but it is initially concerned about repercussions on national security. The Bush administration has been vigorously attacking environmental restrictions that it believes compromise national security. Several propositions to weaken environmental laws such as the MMPA are before Congress.

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29 May 2003

U.S. Navy Military Exercises in Canadian Waters

The U.S.S. Shoup, a U.S. Navy destroyer, is the cause of a major controversy that has been brought to light by the media, biologists and environmentalists from both the Canadian and American West Coast. While en route to the Canadian Forces’ Nanoose Bay test range, the destroyer’s crew carried out submarine detection and avoidance exercises using a very powerful (over 200 dB), mid-frequency (3 kHz) sonar for 5 hours in an area frequented by several cetaceans.

Researchers and people working for whale-watching companies in the area around Haro Straight and San Juan Straight near Vancouver Island heard these powerful sounds through hydrophones, as well as at the surface without special equipment. Around twenty killer whales, part of an endangered resident population, along with hundreds of porpoises and a minke whale, were also present. According to observers, these cetaceans appear to have strongly reacted to the sound. The killer whales first grouped together near the shore then split up, changing direction on several occasions and displaying unusual diving behaviour. As for the porpoises and the minke whale, they left the area in a hurry.

Several porpoises were found dead in the same area one week after these events. There is concern that the use of sonar may be to blame for the demise of these animals. Carcass examinations will be carried out to determine cause of death. It is important to note the occurrence of several other similar events in the past, such as an incident in the Bahamas in March 2000. The American Navy admitted that the sonar tactics it was testing could have been the cause of the stranding of seventeen cetaceans found at the time.

There is no law prohibiting the use of sonar in this area, although the Canadian Navy shuts down sonar when marine mammals are present on the Nanoose Bay range. As for the Americans, the Pentagon is seeking to exempt the Secretary of Defence from several environmental laws in order to allow the U.S. Navy to test low frequency (LFA) sonar. For now, the U.S. Navy holds a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that allows them to harass, harm or kill marine mammals.[CBC, Vancouver Aquarium]

This just in: On February 11, 2004, scientists charged with the examination of 14 harbour porpoises found dead in Puget Sound in the summer of 2003 have announced the results of the necropsies. Given the advanced state of decomposition of the carcasses, the scientists were not able to determine the cause of death for five of them. Three porpoises likely died from ship strikes or a collision with another animal, while two others died of a bacteriological infection and pneumonia. Even though they discovered signs of disease and injury in the ears of several of the porpoises, the scientists were not able to determine if these were caused by sonar or other means, such as decomposition.[Vancouver Aquarium]

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30 January 2003

Sakhalin Island petroleum exploration projects threaten grey whales

Oil and gas development projects off Sakhalin Island in the Sea of Okhotsk (Eastern Russia) have been raising controversy for some time now. Recently, 50 environmental groups have sent letters to Shell and Exxon-Mobil, the companies responsible for these projects. Among their demands are that Shell and Exxon-Mobil at least respect Russian environmental laws and the environmental standards that apply elsewhere in the world. The demand was also sent to government agencies. The Russian government was criticized for its inaction with regards to this situation.

According to scientific studies, the exploration phase of the projects has already harmed the Western Pacific grey whale population. There are only an estimated 100 whales left in this population, of which around 20 are reproductive females. The whales spend nearly six months of the year in the area around Sakhalin Island. Scientists observed changes following seismic testing that took place in the middle of the feeding grounds. The whales moved south and a large proportion of them are now very skinny.

Along with seismic exploration, there is concern about commercialization (drilling platforms, pipeline construction, etc.) and hydrocarbon pollution that will follow.

The fisheries are also threatened by this project. Two thirds of all fish caught in Russia come from the Sea of Okhotsk.[Pacific Environment]

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7 November 2002

U.S. Navy sonar: federal court injunction

On October 31, the U.S. federal court issued an injunction stopping the deployment of the new U.S. Navy sonar system. This sonar system is known as Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active sonar (SURTASS LFA). The U.S. Navy plans to deploy it in 75% of the world’s oceans. It uses very loud, low frequency sound for the long-range detection of submarines, which have become very silent. This sonar has been measured at 140 decibels, 480 km from the source.

Marine mammals depend on sound for essential activities such as foraging, communication and so forth. The sonar system represents a nuisance and even harassment to cetaceans, several species of which are already endangered. Moreover, it is believed that very loud sounds can lead to death. In the Bahamas, in March 2000, whales were found beached following sonar testing by the U.S. Navy. Last September, mass strandings took place in the Canary Islands during NATO military exercises that included acoustic testing. Recently, the deaths of two beaked whales in the Gulf of California were linked to a geophysical survey by the National Science Foundation.

The U.S. Navy had obtained a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for the SURTASS LFA project. The permit authorized the U.S. Navy to harass, injure and even kill marine mammals. Nonetheless, Judge Elizabeth LaPorte granted the request of the five environmental groups that had instituted the pursuit: the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the Humane Society, the League for Coastal Protection, the Cetacean Society International and the Ocean Futures Society. She declared that the NMFS permit violates several laws including the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The injunction suspends deployment of the system for the duration of the proceedings. [ENS]

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10 May 2001

Opposition to U.S. Navy active sonar

The last of three public hearings organized by the NMFS, the American agency responsible for marine resource management, concerning a permit request by the U.S. Navy, was held on May 3, 2001. The U.S. Navy plans to deploy its low frequency active sonar in 80 percent of the world’s oceans over the course of a five-year programme. These active sonar were devised to detect silent submarines. The project raised heavy opposition from the general public, independent scientists and environmental groups, claiming that low frequency active sonar harms marine mammals and was the cause of massive whale strandings. The object of the public hearings is the granting of a permit, which would allow the Navy to harass, injure or kill marine mammals.

The public hearing took place in Silver Spring, Maryland. The public has until May 18, 2001 to send comments to the NMFS concerning the deployment of the U.S. Navy's low frequency active sonar system. [Environment News Service, NRDC]

15 March 2001

Cetacean strandings in the Bahamas: one year later

One year ago, several cetaceans belonging to various species, mostly beaked whales, stranded in large numbers on the beaches of northern Bahamas islands. At the same time, in the same area, the American Navy was testing new tactical sonar that emitted very powerful sounds. Since then, NOAA Fisheries, a department of the American government overseeing marine resources, carried out studies on six of the whale carcasses recovered after the strandings. The American Navy is collaborating in this study by analyzing acoustical, oceanographic and environmental data associated with the event. Initial results of these studies show that the whales had injuries that resulted from being exposed to very powerful sound. Scientists from NOAA Fisheries and the American Navy conclude, for the moment, that these injuries disoriented the whales, and that they then died after having beached themselves. The American Navy admits the tactical sonar that it was testing at the time could be the cause of these injuries. However, Ken Balcomb, an independent researcher who has been working for years with the beaked whales of the Bahamas, believes that the relationship between the sonar and the dead beaked whales is much more direct. Mr. Balcomb's analysis suggests that the injuries observed in the beaked whales were caused by a resonance phenomena in the whale's cranial air spaces. This phenomena is independent of sound intensity and is related to characteristics of cranial sinuses and emitted sound frequencies. Ken Balcomb also believes that this phenomena killed most, if not all, of the beaked whales in the area and that those that stranded were but temporary survivors. The American Navy carries out testing of these tactical sonars world-wide. The final report of the American Navy and NOAA Fisheries should be available by next summer. [NOAA Fisheries, Ken Balcomb, The Sun of Bremerton, U.S. Navy, Defence Environment Alert]

24 March 2000

Cetacean strandings in the Bahamas: a consequence of American military manoeuvres?

On March 15, seventeen cetaceans stranded on beaches on the northern Bahama Islands. The large number of simultaneous strandings, as well as the fact that these cetaceans belonged to at least four different species, make this event a very rare one. There were two species of beaked whales, probably two species of rorquals and one species of dolphin. Nine cetaceans died and scientists were able to examine six of these. On March 15, in the same area, the American Navy began a series of tests of new technology which included acoustic elements. These events are reminiscent of two others involving the stranding of cetaceans following acoustic tests by the Army; one in the early 1990s in the Canary Islands and the other near Greece in 1996. Powerful sound pulses could disorient marine mammals. Scientists studying cetaceans in the Bahamas since 1991 report an average of one or two strandings per year in this area. Beaked whale strandings are particularly rare. The American Navy refuses to admit the possibility of a cause and effect relationship between recent military activities and the stranding of cetaceans in the Bahamas [Bahamas Marine Mammal Survey, Hal Whitehead, CRS sur MARMAM]