Sonar Testing in Southern California Rejected

The California Coastal Commission ruled unanimously to reject a Navy explosives and sonar training program off the coast of Southern California. Commissioners said the Navy lacked enough information to back up its argument that the threat to marine ecosystems would be negligible. Many of the Commissioners were concerned the sonar would be especially dangerous to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and endangered mammals. Surfrider opposed the Navy sonar testing because we were also concerned the testing would impact newly established MPAs. With this decision, the Navy must go back to the drawing board to ensure impacts to marine life will be avoided and mitigated. Watch this video for news coverage on the issue.