HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0449.001 2000-2002
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June 20, 2001 ~
Mr. Lanny Sin.~:in -~,~~.,~.~_~_~::4:_.-_u .a..
5 8 Furneaux Lane, #5 ~n~y ~~~s~,c64 i
f£ilo, FIawaii 96720
Dear Mr. Sinkin:
Thank. you for contacting :ne with your thoughts on the Navy's proposed deployment of the
SU1~T.ASS LFA (low frequency active) sonar. I appreciate having the benefit of your views on
this issue.
fibs United States, and blawaii in particular, has been blessed with a tremendously rich and
diverse array of whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals that inhabit our oceans. These
animals have lived here for millions of years and many of them, especially the whales and
dolphins, are extremely intelligent.
I share your concerns that there is inconclusive scientific evidence that supports the U.S. Navy's
contention that SUIZTASS LFA (low frequency active) sonar is not harmful to these species.
Some groups have proffered evidence indicating that low frequency active sonar may be linked
to intea~al bleeding, disonentataon, hearing loss, and other negative consequences for whales-and
other mari9~e life. And recent beaked whale strandings in the Bahamas demonstrated that acti=re
sonar may even have lethal effects on these animals. My staff is working to bring together the
ag~propriate government and non-government organizations to discuss the evidence supporting
th.e Navy's determination that SUIZTASS LFA sonar is not harmful to marine mammals.
For many years our marine mammals have suffered from hunting, pollution, overfishing, and
other human disturbances. 'This has placed many species on the Endangered Species Act's
endangered list. Now it appears that we are making matters worse for our marine mamrrgal.
populations with the introduction of harmful sonar technology. The Marine Mammal Protection
and Endangered Species ,Acts ensure that future threats to these species are srainimized. There is
reason to believe that low frequency active sonar presents just such a threat.
As a result of the National Marine Fisheries Service's (NMFS) recent proposed rule, which
would allow the Navy to proceed with deployment of this sonar system, I have heard ar¢ outcry
from constituents avho are concerned about the rule's impact. I plan to urge the NMFS to delay
the decision on this matter until there is conclusive scientific evidence that this technology will 4
DROG9NATED PROPN:
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not negatively impact marine mammals. I believe it would also be appropriate for Congress to
hold a series of hearings to explore the implications of this technology.
Finally, it is my understanding that there may be opportunities to develop advanced passive sonar
systems that would not have the same sort of consequences for marine mammals. I believe the
Navy testified before Congress that some of these new passive systems are able to detect targets
to a degree previously thought unobtainable. `The Navy should exhaust these options before
pushing forovard with a technology that appears to be harmful.
Cver the years I have worked very hard to protect, conserve and restore our marine species. For
some species, -such as humpback whales, these efforts have been extremely successful. 'The
tremendous popularity ofwhale-watching cruises are an indication of just how much public
support and interest there is in the well-being of these magnificent creatures. While I any a
supporter of ensuring a strong national defense and have previously supported funding for the
Navy to explore new sonar technology, I believe it would be wrong to deploy the low frequency
active sonar system until we know that it will not harm our rraarine mammal community.
Again, mahalo for contacting me. I will continue to work on this problem with the new
administration and other Members of Congress and appreciate hearing from you. Please stay in
touch if you have additional concerns about this or any other issue.
Sin erel ,
it Abercrombie
Member of Congress
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