According to the officials, a rectangular area stretching 124 km by 148 km has been designated as the exercise zone. Part of it is in Japan's exclusive economic zone for protection of fishing resources.

Fishery officials said November is the peak season for fishing for queen crabs and squid and about 670 fishing boats from Shimane, Yamaguchi, Tottori and Hyogo prefectures have been licensed to operate in the area.

Also on Thursday, Yamaguchi Prefecture asked the agency to seek a halt of the drill, while Tottori Prefecture lodged a written complaint to the agency over not being informed about the drill until the last minute.

On Wednesday, the agency issued a navigation warning after it was notified by the U.S. authorities of the drill.

Kagoshima prefectural authorities on Thursday issued navigation warnings to local vessels about the planned drill off Tanegashima, Yakushima and Koshikijima islands.

The prefecture said it was informed by the agency on Wednesday night of the drill off Tanegashima and on Thursday morning about the two others. (Kyodo News)

Article courtesy of Japan Today; http://www.japantoday.com

Please also see "U.S. Navy Sonar Kills Whales" in our Environment section.