Federal judge blocks Navy's use of mid-frequency sonar

The lawsuit filed against the U.S. Navy to block the use of mid-frequency sonar during training exercises has met some success. Today, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking a six-month national defense exemption from the Department of Defense that would have permitted use of mid-frequency sonar. Environmental and animal rights groups object to the use of mid-frequency sonar because, it kills and injures whales, dolphins and other marine animals.

The Navy had planned to use mid-frequency sonar during exercises scheduled to begin this Thursday off the coast of Hawaii.