Keith Jenkins
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic
Mail Code EV21KJ
6506 Hampton Boulevard
Norfolk, VA 23508

RE: Don't test mid-frequency sonar on endangered whale migratory path

Dear Mr. Jenkins,

As a concerned American, I very strongly urge the U.S. Navy to reconsider and change its proposal to put a testing ground for lethal mid-frequency sonar along the migratory path of highly endangered northern right whales, off the coast of North Carolina.

The proposal calls for establishing a new 500-square-mile sonar testing ground off North Carolina's Outer Banks -- despite the fact that in January 2005, 37 whales of three different species beached themselves in this very same area following naval sonar exercises nearby.

I urge that the Navy withdraw its decision and choose a less sensitive location for its testing ground. Given the extensive, long-term environmental impacts of this proposed concentration of sonar, it is also critical that the Navy implement a full range of mitigation measures to protect marine life from these sonar exercises, including limiting sonar use to times of the year when migrating whales are not present. The Navy's draft documents currently do not consider the full range of alternatives, and therefore must be rewritten.

I will join millions of concerned Americans in closely monitoring your actions in this very important matter.