Navy Sonar Banned in Southern California Waters

Federal Judge Florence-Marie Cooper restricted the U.S. Navy from using its submarine-hunting sonar within 12 miles of the Southern California coast. It is a major victory for environmental groups seeking to protect sonar-using whales and dolphins from blasts which even a Navy study concluded would “cause widespread harm to nearly 30 species of marine mammals.” The Navy must also cease and desist when they spot such animals within 2,200 yards of their ships.