Over the next five years, the U.S. Navy will conduct a series of training exercises in coastal waters throughout the country -- and though these are merely 'war games' to improve military readiness in the event of a real conflict, the projected casualties are nevertheless staggeringly high.

The Navy Times reports that training with live munitions is scheduled to take place from 2014 to 2019 in the waters off of the East Coast, Southern California, Hawaii, and in the Gulf of Mexico. During that period, the Navy estimates that a significant impact on marine life will result from these exercises, primarily from the use of underwater explosives and sonar.

An environmental impact report was released late last week, summarized here by the Associated Press:

According to the reports, computer models show training and testing may kill 186 whales and dolphins off the East Coast and 155 off Hawaii and Southern California.

Off the East Coast, there could be 11,267 serious injuries and 1.89 million minor injuries such as temporary hearing loss. The reports also said the testing and training might cause marine mammals to change their behavior — such as swimming in a different direction — in 20 million instances.

Off Hawaii and Southern California, the reports said the naval activities may cause 2,039 serious injuries, 1.86 million temporary injuries and 7.7 million instances of behavioral change.

Navy director of energy and environmental readiness, Rear Adm. Kevin Slates, told reporters that, despite the deaths and injuries expected to be inflicted upon marine life, such exercises are a necessary part of naval training:

"Without this realistic testing and training, our sailors can't develop or maintain the critical skills they need or ensure the new technologies can be operated effectively."

This isn't the first time Navy training operations have been associated with loss of marine life. In 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted restrictions on the Navy's use of sonar, despite it being associated with beachings, hearing loss, and disorientation in dolphins, whales, and seals. In their ruling, the Court said that Navy activities were more important than marine health.

Deaths from bombings have been less documented, though biologists have noted that beached carcasses occasionally bear signs of underwater explosions. Ken Balcomb, from the Center for Whale Research in Washington, says that even protected waters, home to endangered species, are regularly bombed:

“There’s been a number of whales over the past years that have washed ashore with what’s usually described as blunt-force trauma. Many of them—and I’ve seen four myself—are consistent with a blast-type trauma of this nature.”

Source: TreeHugger

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Noel Polanco Is a vegan fitness athlete & print model from New York City. Growing up as a chubby kid in Washington Heights, Noel lost weight through jumping rope. Little Noel was an animal lover so he soon adapted to a vegetarian diet and later went completely vegan. Now he is a vegan health and fitness advocate, defender of animal rights and protector of women who have been victims of domestic violence. Noel focuses on inspiring younger kids who are now affected with diabetes and obesity. He makes inspiring videos to motivate other people into living a healthier lifestyle.

Why Vegan?

I am vegan because I love animals. After seeing so many people suffering with diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cancer, I asked myself if the Standard American Diet (SAD) was in fact so healthy then why are people getting sick? All of these diseases could be prevented though a Vegan diet. As we have now seen, even Bill Clinton went vegan to reverse his own heart disease. I am vegan because I love animals and want to prevent sickness.

How long have you been vegan?

I have been Vegan now for over 3 years. Was mainly vegetarian before.

What has benefited you the most from being a vegan?

I have more energy. I haven't had a cold, or flu. I love it.

What does veganism mean to you?

Veganism to me means living in peace with the animals that share this planet with us. As well as living without causing any harm to our bodies, planet and animals.

Training

What sort of training do you do?

I do all kinds of training from bodyweight exercises, to exercises with a weighted vest. I am always doing different stuff whatever my body feels like doing on the day.

How often do you (need to) train?

I train every day.

Do you offer your fitness or training services to others?

Yes, I offer fitness advice and help people lose weight, and also make inspiring workout videos that you can see on my YouTube channel.

What sports do you play?

I play Basketball, Football, and Track.

Strengths, Weaknesses & Outside Influences

What do you think is the biggest misconception about vegans and how do you address this?

Biggest misconception about vegans is that vegans are weak. When they see me workout, I prove them wrong.

What are you strengths as a vegan athlete?

My strengths as a vegan athlete are that I have mastered my own bodyweight. I can do Human Flags, one arm pull ups, one arm pushups, one legged squats. Basically, every difficult exercise with your own bodyweight I am able to do. I still train hard every day because you can always find harder stuff and exercises to do.

Are the non-vegans in your industry supportive or not?

Not every non-vegan person is supportive. When people can't do something them self they want to tell you that you can't do it.

Are your family and friends supportive of your vegan lifestyle?

Most of them are, they are open-minded and give it a try. I have inspired and helped more than 20 people become vegan.

What is the most common question/comment that people ask/say when they find out that you are a vegan and how do you respond?

Where do you get your protein? I think every person that is vegan gets asked that same question over and over again. I answer it in a friendly way and tell them the truth about the protein myth. People should be worrying about NOT consuming too much protein to stay healthy.

Who or what motivates you?

It's kind of sad but my motivation is my family, the people around me, and my results. By seeing my family, friends etc. suffering with diseases and being overweight, it motivates me to workout every day, to keep following a vegan diet to not end up like them. My main goal in life is to prevent sickness, and be healthy. I want to inspire the younger kids because I once was chubby and not healthy when I was little. Also, seeing my results, my energy and the way I feel and look. That keeps me motivated.

Food & Supplements

Everyday is not the same I don't eat the same thing over and over again. I wrote down what I ate today.

What do you eat for:

Breakfast: quinoa With tofu and 1 cup of vanilla soy milk

Lunch: Ezekiel cereal with chia seeds and raw oats

Dinner: brown rice and beans, raw cucumbers, tomatoes and hummus.

Snacks (healthy & not-so healthy) Clif bars, Larabars, any fruits, any nuts or seeds, raisins, and fruit smoothies.

What is your favourite source of:

Protein: Quinoa

Calcium: Broccoli          

Iron: Broccoli         

What foods give you the most energy?

Fruit Smoothies

Do you take any supplements?

I don't take any supplements. I believe don't believe in artificial or powder stuff. I get all my nutrients from the food that grows on the planet.

Advice

What is your top tip for:

Gaining muscle: My tip for gaining muscle would be TRAIN HARD. When you feel you don't want to train, that’s the day that you need to train the most. Get enough sleep and just train every day. Make training a daily routine in your lifestyle. Don't rush into getting big muscles just train to be healthy and fit. Then when you look at yourself after 5 years you will be like: WOW hard work pays off. Never rush into trying to get results. Have fun when working out and train every day. Don't follow the rules in magazines etc.

Losing weight: My tip for losing weight is that if you own or use a treadmill throw it out the window. Go outside and run or walk. That’s how you lose weight. Stop focusing on using all these machines and fake equipment. Run, Sprint, Walk or climb up and down the stairs. Eat non-processed food, more fruits and veggies. Also following a plant-based diet will help you lose weight.

Maintaining weight: My tip for maintaining weight would be to eat enough calories. Never starve, and don't be afraid of consuming avocados, nuts, and coconut milk.

Improving metabolism: My tip for improving your metabolism would be simple: Just eat more fruit.

Toning up: My tip for toning up would be to exercise EVERYDAY.

How do you promote veganism in your daily life?

I promote veganism everyday either in person or online via websites and social networks. I also make videos where I talk about the benefits of a vegan diet, and show people how to exercise like I do. I also share disturbing images of what the meat is like before it get to your plate.

Source: Viva La Vegan

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