Early morning of April 8, 2009 I heard sonar for several hours on the Orca Sound hydrophones which are located in the southern resident feeding habitat in Haro Strait. Although I realize military exercises are common and important, and that military care about marine life (yes I have friends and family involved in military), I am voicing a concern for the mammals that could be harmed by exercises like these. In the process of keeping our species safe, it is disturbing to think that we are hurting other life who are innocent to our human dramas. I am all about safety but let’s keep all safe.

As a hazardous waste management student at UVic (Environmental and Occupational Health), I feel compelled to comment. I suppose my argument is that our human security issues are our issues and we should be careful not to impose the impacts onto other life (as we already do in so many ways). I am troubled at times by the human ego and it’s perception of our placement in life being above and beyond others.

Do you believe in karma? Do you understand how manifestation works? All of our behaviors ripple across life (the universe) weather we know it or not, like it or not. On the internet, I see one sided comments on this issue. I see whale advocates basically being called “retards”, so be it then I am a retard.

For a comprehensive view of this sonar event please see the Beam Reach Blog

Please see this link for those audio clips I recorded and a link to the blog post I had made; http://www.orcanation.com/sonar/.

And if we have not forgotten, a recent article outlining new protection under the law for these animals, in these places.

“The government issued an order under the Species at Risk Act this week that legally protects the areas where northeast Pacific northern and southern resident populations of killer whales live. It also enhances the government’s ability conduct inspections and investigations and fine parties who damage those areas, although it does not include specifics about what would constitute damage.

According to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans resident killer whale recovery team, the animals are threatened by declining salmon stocks, increased boat traffic, toxic contamination, and loud underwater noises from dredging. Recent counts show 85 individuals remain in the southern population and around 245 in the northern population.”

Feds boost protection for killer whales after being sued

Active Sonar from Chantelle Tucker on Vimeo.