The Greens questioned the impact on whales during exercises at the Beecroft Weapons Range and in waters around the Jervis Bay Marine Park during the migration.

Greens spokesperson Justin Field asked if defence was doing all it should to minimise impacts on whales and the marine environment.

A defence spokesperson said military activities were carefully planned and controlled.

“Environmental protection is a major component of this planning,” the spokesperson said.

“The RAN is committed to be a leader in managing the environment sustainably to support the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF’s) ability to protect the country and its national interests.

“At all times, environmental restrictions are observed in accordance with the RAN’s environmental procedure cards (EPCs), which form part of the ADF Maritime Activities Environmental Management Plan.”

The spokesperson said the measures had proven to be effective when exercising in whale migration areas.

“The procedures included in the EPCs are routinely reviewed and have been assessed by the Department of the Environment, as the national regulatory authority, and relevant interest groups,” the spokesperson said.

Defence said the use of active sonar by navy frigates was infrequent, with sonar usually only used during occasional exercises with submarines, or switched on briefly for a daily functionality checks. Sonars were inactive at most times when RAN ships are at sea.

Mr Field said military activities, including the use of sonar and the firing and explosion of missiles and other ammunitions in and around whales could impact their hearing and navigation abilities.

“We should do all we can to protect these magnificent creatures, given the significance of a healthy whale population to tourism, marine biodiversity and the economy of the state, particularly in the Shoalhaven region and within the special Jervis Bay Marine Park,” he said.

He said a major incident in the UK in 2011 saw 70 pilot whales beach themselves and 19 die following impairment of their navigation abilities from noise of navy bombing exercises.

“I recognise there are protocols in place to minimise the risk to whales, including visual observation and arrangements to halt bombing if whales are spotted within the area, but is this enough to ensure the safety of migrating whales?” he said.

“Why are we allowing military exercises at all during the whale migration season?”

Mr Field called on defence to stop ocean exercises during whale migration and be more open and transparent about their activities in the local area.

He will be raising the issue when the NSW Parliament next sits and with federal colleagues.

Further information on the RAN’s commitment to the environment can be found at:

http://www.navy.gov.au/about/organisation/environment