Many researchers believe underwater noise pollution confuses whales and can even kill them. Soon, you might be able to add dolphins to the list of animals affected by so-called “acoustic smog.” This spring, over 70 dolphins beached themselves near Marathon, in the In its defense, the US Navy is the largest sponsor of research ($10 million annually) into whether sonar pings harm marine life. However, as the science is still in its infancy (not to mention the fact that the Navy likes using sonar), research results are often slow in coming or simply inconclusive. Prediction: the use of sonar will likely be a major politico-/eco-challenge in the near future. Although neither whales nor dolphins vote, divers do.
