Navy Sonar Testing Range (GA)

In 2005, more than three dozen whales beached and died on the Outer Banks of North Carolina within hours of a U.S. Navy sonar training exercise. While the exact cause of the whales’ death was not conclusively established, scientists continue to find strong links between underwater sonar and the ability of whales, dolphins and other marine species to communicate, navigate, and even to survive.

When the Navy made plans to establish an undersea warfare training range off the North Carolina coast, SELC and other conservation groups called out the agency on its failure to thoroughly assess how the project would impact the state’s marine resources and economy (read more).

Change in Venue

In September 2008, the Navy changed course and announced that it is considering locating the training range within a 500-square mile area off southern Georgia and northern Florida. Despite the change in location, SELC still has reservations about the compatibility of sonar and marine life.

This area contains the only known calving grounds for the endangered North Atlantic right whale (of which only 300-350 individuals remain) and is designated as right whale critical habitat by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

The $100 million undersea range would be used for anti-submarine warfare training for periods up to six hours about 480 times a year, according to the Navy.  The simulated warfare would use submarines, surface ships and aircraft, and would include the use of torpedoes and sonar devices. The sonar sources at issue have been linked to adverse effects on whales, including strandings and death.
SELC and our partners in Georgia will be keeping close watch to ensure the Navy adheres to environmental laws as it explores this option.