Whale stranding on Molokai - Navy sonar related?

A rare deep water beaked whale showed up on the island of Molokai during annual Navy RIMPAC exercises. A UPI story says the 2,500 lb. Cuvier's beaked whale was euthanized after repeatedly beaching itself. A press release from Earthjustice describes the incident and some background information. A fresh press release from Earthjustice, not yet published on their website, quotes Colin Crosby of Kihei, Maui, as saying that he and friends heard sonar in the water on Molokai the day before the stranding, at levels high enough that it could be heard out of the water.

Ocean News, and System Status Report

We have brought Hokumoanalani, our buoy, back to shore for repairs and restoration.  She will be a part time project for the next several months as we prepare for our ninth season of webcasting the live songs of our Kohola, Hawaiian Humpback Whales.  

University of Hawai'i Researchers have discovered some "uncomfortable information."  They published findings in the July 4 issue of Science Magazine, warning that "...besides loading the atmosphere with heat-trapping greenhouse gases, human emissions of carbon dioxide have also begun to alter the chemistry of the ocean -- the so-called cradle of life on Earth."   The impacts could be significant.  Read the full article.

Here's hoping you are all reducing your carbon footprint, taking care of your local environment, and enjoying the season wherever you are.

Aloha from Maui,  Dan