Navy's sonar study lists four options

The Navy this week released the final environmental impact statement for its Atlantic Fleet active sonar training.

The Navy’s use of sonar has become a concern to many environmentalists, who worry about its effects on whales and other marine mammals. The statement evaluates the potential effects of using mid- and high-frequency active sonar and improved extended echo-ranging systems during training along the East Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico.

The statement offers four options, including designating fixed areas for use (either year-round or seasonally); designating “areas of increased awareness” and refraining from using active sonar within those areas; or continuing to operate without designating special areas to either avoid or work within.

The Navy prefers the final option. The statement is available at http://afasteis.gcsaic.com.