JUNEAU, Alaska — Environmentalists are speaking out against Navy plans to train with sonar in the Gulf of Alaska.

Critics said the technology could be harmful to whales.

Navy officials say the technology is necessary for national security.

The Navy held meetings last week to discuss its environmental impact statement outlining three options for yearly exercises set to begin the summer of 2011.

The first option is taking no action. The second calls for a 21-day training period between April and October.

The third option calls for two 21-day training exercises.

The Navy now conducts a joint exercise — known as Northern Edge — each summer with the Army and Air Force.

Migrated