The Navy and marine wildlife experts are investigating whether the beaching of dozens of dolphins on Marathon in the Florida Keys is related to possible sonar use by the Los Angeles class attack sub USS Philadelphia during a training exercise with Navy SEALs near Key West. More than 20 of the 70 rough-toothed dolphins have died since the beaching last Wednesday. “This is absolutely high priority,” said Lt. Cdr. Jensin Sommer, spokeswoman for Norfolk, Va.-based Naval Submarine Forces.
Some scientists surmise that loud bursts of sonar, which can be heard for miles in the water, may disorient or scare marine mammals, leading to decompression sickness or disruption of their biological sonar navigation systems. Associated Press: Dolphin Beaching Came After Sub Exercise