Whales and LFA Sonar

Last updated 2004-06-28 by Roedy Green ©2002-2004 Canadian Mind Products.
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Introduction

The early Hawaiians used to hunt dolphins by banging two rocks together under the water. The dolphins would surface with blood streaming from their sensitive ears. The US Navy is now killing marine mammals, especially whales, in the same way using sounds billions of times more intense than those known to disturb whales. The sounds are 215 decibels, a level a million times more intense than considered safe for human divers.

Why Are They Doing This?

Their intent is not to kill whales, the whales are merely collateral damage in the military view. The LAF (Low Frequency Active Sonar) is used to scan the ocean for submarines.

What is The Effect

Whales of four different species beached themselves in the Bahamas when the Navy tested LAF there. The sound is so unbearable, the whales prefer suicide. The whales suffered hemorrhages around their ears.

Is this Necessary?

The only nations with silent submarines are now American allies. Until that changes, surely this sonic torture of whales is completely unjustified.

What an ironic choice of acronym LAF -- as if the navy were callously laughing at the suffering they caused. They are callous sadistic bastards. I hope those responsible die by torture.

Links

Electronic petition on Whales and LAF sonar.
The Makah Whale Hunt Also more information and links on whales and hunting generally.
Roedy Green's essay on cetacean intelligence.
Japan's cheating in the research hunt.
reader feedback on this essay.

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