Coastal Commission Rejects Navy's Sonar Plan, Fears Damage to Sea Life

The Navy and ocean preservationists clashed before the Coastal Commission in San Diego Friday, and the commission ruled against the Navy, according to the Associated Press.

The issue before the commission was a controversial explosives and sonar testing program the Navy has run since at least 2007, according to the report.

The Navy acknowledges the testing could have some negative effects on sea life, but killing more than 100 over the five years, and causing hearing loss to several hundred others, the AP said.

The commission ruled that the military does not know enough about the potential long-term harm to continue and refused to grant its permission.

Prior decisions by the panel have led to legal battles with the Navy, according to the AP.

The Navy argues that it cannot meet measures called for by the Coastal Commission without limiting the effectiveness of its training.

A Facebook “Call to Action” drew more than 80 people who promised to attend and speak out against the plan.

“We must bolster the resolve of the Commission and ensure that it continues to stand up to the Navy,” organizers wrote on the page.

For more on the sonar testing, see the Huffington Post.