Navy to up sonar use, says it will protect mammals

The U.S. Navy says it will triple its sonar use in the coming years, but it’s doing more than ever to protect marine animals from it.

The Cape Cod Times reports that Navy researchers held the first of five informational meetings about its plans this week in Providence, R.I.

An official says the increased sonar use comes as the Navy focuses more on detecting enemy submarines and mines.

The testing area runs from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico. A computer model shows that dolphins, seals and whales will face tens of thousands more chances to be harassed by the sonar. Effects include behavioral changes and hearing damage.

But the Navy says it will minimize any harassment, including scans for mammals over and above the water before beginning training and testing.