Ethical Question Concerning Marine Biology example essay topic

406 words
When one thinks of ethics, most people only think of how it applies to humankind. People tend to overlook how human ethics transcend into the world of nature, specifically the world of Marine Biology. However, before we can discuss an Ethical Question concerning Marine Biology, we must first define ethics. According, to Webster Dictionary: ethics are the principles of right or good conduct, a system of good moral values. The ethical question I propose is that concerning the echolocation abilities of whales and dolphins being interrupted by Low Frequency Sonar testing conducted by the U.S. Navy. According to the Marine Connection website, seventeen marine mammals became stranded on Bahaman beaches after the U.S. Navy conducted under water sonar tests.

The Navy initially said its sonar had nothing to do with the stranding but after studies showed the fatal trauma in six of the animals was caused by underwater noise, the Navy acknowledged in January 2001 that its sonar was in part responsible. The website continues by stating The sonar used by the Navy in the Bahamas was a conventional mid-frequency system, and there has been intense scientific debate about whether the new low-frequency sonar could have the same effects. In its environmental impact statement, which the Navy initiated under pressure, the Navy found no significant harm to marine mammals from the low-frequency sound blasts but there were effects. Half of the humpback whales that were tracked temporarily stopped their songs when the loud sonar pings reached them. The Marine Mammal Commission, a federal advisory group, said that observation was worrisome and suggested there could be long-term consequences. (Marine...

) The reason the Navy is conducting this testing is to improve the detection of submarines entering into the U.S. coast waters. Now we have to ask ourselves is this worth it? Should we continue? Yes, we need to protect ourselves from attacks, but do we need to harm helpless species of animals in the process. I feel that this and any other testing that affects the sea in any way should be suspended. Research should be conducted into alternative ways of locating submarines.

How can we morally continue on this path knowing the damage that we impart? It is just not ethically sound. SOURCES Webster's Dictionary (2001) Boston MA: Houghton Mifflin Co. Marine Connection Website: web.