Washington Times
March 23, 2007
Pg. 8


LOS ANGELES -- State coastal regulators and environmental groups separately sued the Navy yesterday because of its decision to continue sonar training exercises off California without precautions that opponents contend are necessary to protect marine life.
Earlier this year, the California Coastal Commission approved the exercises during a two-year period only if the Navy took safeguards to protect marine mammals and sea turtles. Among the restrictions were avoiding coastal waters with a large whale and dolphin population and lowering sonar levels during periods of low visibility, when it is harder for ship personnel to spot sea life.
Commissioner Sara Wan said the Navy's unwillingness to comply with the restrictions left the state with no choice but to file the federal lawsuit.

Sorry national security > Whales and dolphins.