Despite broad-based public opposition, the National Marine Fisheries Service has granted the US Navy letters of authorization to "take"- meaning kill or harass - marine mammals protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The Navy requires the letters-issued in Washington, DC, on Monday-in order to deploy an extremely loud sonar system that can emit sound levels comparable to a Saturn V rocket used to launch the Space Shuttle. One signal from this system is capable of broadcasting noise over thousands of miles in the sea. The objective is to bombard 80% of the world's oceans with this extremely loud noise.

This Low Frequency Active Sonar (LAS) is designed to detect hostile submarines at long distances, according to the Navy. While benign systems exist for this purpose, the Navy contends that this new system is required for military preparedness. This is despite thorough and broad scientific testimony that the Navy's Environmental Impact Statement supporting the system is riddled with questionable scientific assumptions, and inadequate or inaccurate scientific models.

Biologists and environmentalists contend that the system has demonstrated the potential to kill or maim marine mammals and humans at close range, and also seriously to compromise the marine acoustic environment, threatening the long-term survival of whales and dolphins as well as the fish stocks that humans rely on for survival.

Seaflow is a grassroots environmental-advocacy organization, based in Marin County, with the mission of protecting ocean habitats. Seaflow's current focus is on educating the public about the dangers of Low Frequency Active Sonar. Using scientific data, biological understanding, common sense, and innovative educational techniques, Seaflow continues to expand public discourse on the effects of this sonar system on the ocean environment.

Seaflow is working closely with internationally respected Earth Island Institute's International Marine Mammal Project to broaden a public-education campaign and to build Bay Area coalitions. The public is invited to Seaflow's monthly meetings in central San Rafael; the next meeting is to begin at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5, at Tamalpais Bank., 851 Irwin Street.

For more information visit or call 415-454-4443. ###