Navy agrees to restrict sonar

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has agreed to restrict the use of sonar during its training exercises as part of a deal with environmental groups, officials said.

The groups argue the use of low-frequency active sonar harms whales and other creatures, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

The agreement, which was approved by a federal judge in San Francisco, affects the use of sonar in the Pacific Ocean, which is home to whale breeding grounds,

The Navy has said it is necessary to use sonar as a part of exercise to train sailors to detect some types of submarines.

"Limiting sonar use in breeding grounds and other key habitat areas is essential for the conservation of whales, dolphins and other marine mammals," said Naomi Rose, marine mammal scientist for the Humane Society of the United States. "This agreement protects both national security and our most treasured natural resources."

A Navy spokesman said agreement was reached Friday and approved by a federal judge Tuesday.

"We get some areas to train and they get some areas that are off-limits," the spokesman said.