Underwater noise from supertankers, oil drilling, and military sonar may be drastically disrupting the living patterns of whales, seals, and other sea life, according to a report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council. The group contends that the noises could tamper with the creatures’ natural communication systems and cause them to deviate from their migration routes. It calls for more investigation into the issue and suggests that federal regulations may be needed to protect species from the problem. The NRDC has been sharply skeptical of military plans for new sonar technology designed to detect enemy submarines; the Navy is due within weeks to issue a draft environmental impact statement on the technology.
