Over 170,000 people have signed a Care2 petition urging the National Marine Fisheries Service to reject a U.S. Air Force proposal to test about 100 bombs per year for the next five years in the waters off of Kaua‘i—a move that would harm over 600 marine mammals and deafen many, according to petitioners.

“The negative impact of ocean noise on whales and dolphins has been well documented,” wrote Care2 petition author Julie Stankiewicz. “Marine mammals depend upon sound to navigate, find mates, hunt and communicate over hundreds of miles. Without the ability to hear, they are rendered unable to perform the most basic tasks necessary to their survival.”

An Air Force squadron based in Florida submitted the request to the National Marine Fisheries Service for permission to harm the hearing of an estimated 637 whales and dolphins, according to Care2 petitioners. Bombs would be tested from Sept. 1 through August 2022.

“As an animal lover, I am deeply saddened that beautiful, intelligent marine mammals around the world are suffering horrifically because of noise pollution caused by humanity,” Stankiewicz wrote. “Collateral damage to innocent wildlife should not be considered an acceptable consequence of military testing.”

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About Care2

Care2 is a community of 39 million standing together for good. People are making a world-changing impact with Care2, starting petitions and supporting each other’s campaigns to help individuals, animals and the environment. A pioneer of online advocacy since 1998, Care2 is a B Corporation, or social enterprise, using the power of business as a force for good.