NATO Testing of Very Loud Sonar at Sea Linked to Beaching of Whales

Greek researchers have linked NATO’s testing of a so-called low-frequency active sonar system, which makes very loud noises, to the mysterious beaching of a dozen Cuvier’s beaked whales along the Kyparissiakos Gulf on the west coast of Greece on May 12 and 13, 1996. This species of whales dives deeply and is rarely beached, especially in groups. But reporting today in Nature, the team could find no explanation for the beaching other than the fact that a NATO research vessel was in the area at the same time. The team believes the noise somehow injured the whales.

Compiled by Times medical writer Thomas H. Maugh II