Obama to Create World's Largest Ocean Preserve

[MBS]

35. One petition is here

http://www.savebiogems.org/save-whales-from-sonar/

Note that the campaign is not even asking the Navy to stop tests completely, but merely to institute safeguards (avoiding tests in areas that are known breeding grounds and migratory paths for whales, among other measures) to reduce the harm of these tests to marine mammals. Several courts have already ordered the Navy to cease and desist, but they nevertheless continue to fight in court rather than putting energy into devising ecologically responsible solutions to the problem.

As a way to summarize the issues (see also url above), here is the Natl Resources Defense Council-suggested text for individual petition letters to Sec Hagel :

I am appalled at the Navy's five-year plan for training and testing with sonar and explosives, which would needlessly kill or maim thousands of whales and other marine mammals. The Navy should be putting safeguards in place that will dramatically reduce the threat to whales without compromising military readiness. But, instead, the Navy is preparing to defend its unconscionable plan in court.

Please direct the Navy to abandon its courtroom defense and move instead to protect whales from needless suffering and death during routine training. Most importantly, the Navy should put vital areas for marine mammals off-limits to sonar and explosives. According to the scientific community, that is the most effective means of reducing harm.

The evidence is clear: the Navy can continue to protect our national security AND protect marine mammals at the same time. I urge you to direct the Navy to do so.

Go to the url and sign this petition , if you care about ocean life!