AP Photo/US Navy - James R. Evan
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Ending a legal debate that has raged for years, the Supreme Court ruled on November 11, 2008, in favor of national security and in support of U.S. Navy sonar exercises. The ruling lifted restrictions on sonar tests which are increasingly believed to interfere with the navigation abilities of whales and other marine life.
In response to scientific reports showing a correlation between sonar exercises and whale strandings and beachings, California had implemented a set of restrictions limiting such exercises. It is believed that sonar exercises can cause hearing loss and disorientation in whales and dolphins. Though this position has been supported by numerous experts and even statements from the Navy, the Bush Administration has stated there was no truth to the claims. The Supreme Court's decision, however, found that the science of the matter was not centrally significant to the issue.
In it's ruling, The Court stated that the California Federal Courts had "abused their discretionary power" and that the "overall public interest tips strongly in favor of the Navy." It was a matter of national security, judicial authority, and public interest; not science.
Still, some experts believe that the ruling is not necessarily a bad one for whales. Chris Parsons, a whale and dolphin researcher and delegate for the International Whaling Commission's scientific and conservation committees, optimistically argues that, if the Navy is willing to limit their exercises to avoid highly sensitive areas and provide more extensive whale tracking training for its officers, a happy medium could be found.
Only time will tell if the Navy with be willing to voluntarily adopt whale-protecting policies.
If you are excited about saving whales, then don't miss the exciting new series Whale Wars.
For more on the latest in environmental politics, check out Focus Earth: November 15, 2008: Navy Wins, Whales Lose? & Race for Energy and Commerce Chairman.
Read more about the dilemma of whales:
Green Glossary: Whaling
Watch Whale Wars on November 7!
The TH Interview: Anti-Whaling Warrior, Captain Paul Watson
Whales 0, Navy 1: Court Rules In Favor of Lifting Restrictions on Harmful Sonar Use
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