National Geographic News, Reporting Your World Daily

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Photo: Sonar Banned in U.S. Navy Exercise to Protect Hawaii Whales


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A beachgoer watches as a pod of about 200 melon-headed whales swims near the shore of Hanalei Bay, Hawaii, on July 3, 2004. The whales, which typically stay about 20 miles (32 kilometers) out to sea, ventured within 100 yards (91 meters) of shore. Environmentalists blamed U.S. Navy sonar activities held at about the same time for confusing the whales.

Yesterday the Navy was forced to stop using high-intensity sonar during training exercises off Hawaii after an environmental group won a temporary restraining order.

Photograph by AP Photo/The Garden Island, Dennis Fujimoto