Marine

Wild Beaked Whale Sonar Impacts and Welfare

Beaked whales are extraordinarily sensitive to military sonar, with mass strandings linked to naval exercises. This welfare impact has driven policy changes in some naval jurisdictions.

Key Facts

Mass strandings of Cuvier's and Blainville's beaked whales are linked to mid-frequency sonar
Sonar-related strandings cause haemorrhages and gas embolism in affected animals
The US Navy has implemented sonar mitigation zones in critical beaked whale habitat
Mediterranean beaked whale populations are particularly vulnerable to naval exercises

Welfare Considerations

Beaked whale sonar welfare represents one of the clearest examples of military activity causing acute, lethal welfare harm to wild animals. Establishing sonar exclusion zones in critical habitat and pre-exercise environmental surveys are minimum welfare requirements.

What You Can Do

Support Whale and Dolphin Conservation campaigns on military sonar impacts
Advocate for mandatory sonar mitigation measures in all naval training areas
Report any unusual beaked whale strandings to BDMLR and CSIP immediately