Marine Animals

Cetacean Military Sonar and Welfare

Military sonar has been linked to mass cetacean strandings and is believed to cause significant welfare harm to deep-diving species.

Key Facts

Mid-frequency active sonar used in naval exercises has been linked to mass beaked whale strandings
Sonar causes temporary or permanent hearing damage and disrupts foraging behaviour
Behavioural responses including rapid ascent from depth can cause decompression injury
Cuvier's beaked whales are particularly vulnerable to sonar disturbance
International pressure has led some navies to implement exclusion zones near sensitive cetacean habitat

Welfare Considerations

Military sonar causes acute welfare harm to cetaceans, potentially including pain and fatal decompression injury. Greater transparency about naval exercise locations and stronger exclusion zones around sensitive habitats are essential welfare measures.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for greater military transparency about sonar use near cetacean habitat
Advocate for international agreements limiting sonar use in critical whale habitats
Engage with marine conservation organisations monitoring military sonar impacts
Support research into cetacean responses to anthropogenic noise pollution
Raise awareness about sonar welfare impacts among the broader public