The Royal Navy were accused of discharging explosives that make dolphins and whales go deaf.
Navy divers have detonated 107 submerged bombs across the UK over the last decade which scientists believe damage the hearing of dolphins, porpoises and whales.
Many live explosives remain undiscovered in the waters after German bombers missed their targets during the Second World War.
As many as 60 of the creatures go deaf each time a bomb goes off, according to the experts.
The animals can go deaf if within one mile of the vibrations set off by a large explosion, scientists said.
Dolphins, porpoises and whales use their hearing for communication, navigation and feeding.
Campaigners issued a stark warning that the damage caused by the explosions could threaten the survival of the animals.
Danny Groves, from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) charity, told The Times “listening” for whales and dolphins is as important as “seeing” is for humans.
The Royal Navy’s area diving groups are responsible for the removal of underwater ammunition along the UK coastline.
Divers search the area for marine mammals to check the coast is clear before a bomb is detonated.
Campaigners argued the measures don’t go far enough as they do not take into account the sound blast radius of up to 30km.
A spokesperson for the Stop Sea Blasts campaign said: “The Ministry of Defence has the capability to clear munitions in a way that better protects the marine environment, but isn’t doing so. They have no excuse. The government should be protecting marine habitats, not dragging its feet. They should ensure the Royal Navy immediately starts using low order deflagration wherever possible.”
Jeremy Quin, the defence procurement minister, said the Ministry of Defence have invested in 600 disposal systems; they are more environmentally friendly by removing munitions from the seafloor without explosions.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman told the newspaper: “The Royal Navy recognises the impact of underwater noise on marine life when unexploded ordnance is cleared. Prior to any mine clearance activity, safety checks and environmental risk assessments are carried out to minimise the risk to marine life.”
The Standard has approached the Royal Navy for comment.
