The U.S. Air Force plans to drop 100 bombs, as large as 300 pounds each, on the waters north of Kauai, Hawaii, each year for the next five years. The Air Force has requested permission to harm 637 whales and dolphins in executing this endeavor. If this plan is approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA-Fisheries), it is estimated that dozens of marine mammals would be permanently deafened, and hundreds would suffer from temporary hearing loss and changes in natural behavior. Species that would be affected include the humpback whale, sei whale, minke whale, and Fraser dolphin.
The Air Force has proposed protecting dolphins and whales by looking for them on the surface of the water, a ridiculous strategy given that the waters in the area are more than 15,000 feet deep.
The negative impact of ocean noise on whales and dolphins has been well documented. Marine mammals depend upon sound to navigate, find mates, hunt, and communicate over hundreds of miles. Without the ability to hear, they are rendered unable to perform the most basic tasks necessary to their survival. Noise from military testing, as well as commercial shipping and oil and gas exploration, has caused trauma, deafness, and led to the mass beachings and deaths of dolphins and whales around the world.
As an animal lover, I am deeply saddened that beautiful, intelligent marine mammals around the world are suffering horrifically because of noise pollution caused by humanity. Collateral damage to innocent wildlife should not be considered an acceptable consequence of military testing. Please sign this petition urging NOAA-Fisheries to block plans by the U.S. Air Force that would cause harm to dolphins or whales. For marine mammals to survive and flourish, we must stop noise pollution in our oceans. Any testing plans by the military must give meaningful and effective protection to these magnificent beings.
Dear Ms. Harrison and National Marine Fisheries Services Executives and Directors,
I am contacting you to request that you do not approve plans by the U.S. Air Force that would harm whales and dolphins off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii.
As you know, the U.S. Air Force plans to drop 100 bombs, as large as 300 pounds each, on the waters north of Kauai, Hawaii, each year for the next five years. It is estimated that dozens of marine mammals would be permanently deafened, and hundreds would suffer from temporary hearing loss and changes in natural behavior. Species that would be affected include the humpback whale, sei whale, minke whale, pygmy sperm whale, dwarf sperm whale, and Fraser’s dolphin.
The Air Force has proposed protecting dolphins and whales by looking for them on the surface of the water – a ridiculous strategy given that the waters in the area are more than 15,000 feet deep.
The negative impact of ocean noise on whales and dolphins has been well documented. Marine mammals depend upon sound to navigate, hunt, mate, detect predators, and communicate over hundreds of miles. Without the ability to hear, they are rendered unable to perform the most basic tasks necessary to their survival. Noise from military testing, as well as commercial shipping and oil and gas exploration, has caused trauma, deafness, and led to the mass beachings and deaths of dolphins and whales around the world.
As an animal lover, I am deeply saddened that beautiful, intelligent marine mammals around the world are suffering horrifically because of noise pollution caused by humanity. Collateral damage to innocent wildlife should not be considered an acceptable consequence of military testing.
I urge that you only approve testing plans by the military that give meaningful and effective protection to these beings.
[Your comments]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
