Navy Seeks OK for Underwater Tests
Proposing to detonate 10,000-pound explosives in underwater tests off the Ventura County coast, the Navy is requesting a permit for the incidental killing of federally protected sea lions, whales and dolphins.
The Navy has asked the National Marine Fishery Service for the permit so it can test how ships’ electronic systems react to underwater explosions about 80 miles off Ventura. Under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act, the service has to give its approval for the incidental killing of the protected animals.
“If we determine their proposal will have too great an impact, it would have to be modified,” said Craig Wingert, a fisheries biologist with the service’s regional office in Long Beach.
The Navy will try to avoid killing more than a “small number” of marine mammals, said Alan Alpers, a spokesman for the Point Mugu Naval Air Weapons Station.
Ron Dow, head of the base’s environmental division, said that based on previous testing, the Navy does not believe any mammals would be harmed, but “that’s not to say it couldn’t happen.”
The Navy, which hopes to begin the tests in February, plans to develop a long-range “ship-shock” testing program to be conducted in the area over five years, Dow said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
