ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A naval exercise off the Australian coast using submarine-hunting sonar could kill whales or cause them to become stranded, the International Whaling Commission warned in a report.

Environmental groups say the mid-frequency sonar U.S. and Australian forces plan to use can cause hearing loss and tissue damage in whales and can alter their diving habits. Deep-diving species such as the beaked whale are especially at risk, they say, because rapid surfacing can result in the bends, a decompression sickness that can be fatal.

"The reality is the strandings are only the tip of the iceberg," said Marsha Green of the Ocean Mammal Institute. "Most of the animals that are injured are going to die and sink to the bottom."

The biennial exercise, from June 19 to July 2, will be held off the Australian coast near Queensland and the Northern Territory. More than 20,000 U.S. and 7,500 Australian troops are expected to take part. The exercise will include 125 aircraft and 30 vessels, officials said.

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