A federal judge has ruled the National Marine Fisheries Service violated environmental laws when it approved the Navy’s plans for training in waters off Hawaii and Southern California.

U.S. District Court Judge Susan Oki Mollway on Tuesday ruled the agency failed to support its finding that the training would have a "negligible impact" on marine life.

She says the Navy also failed to take a hard look at alternatives such as training in different areas or at different times to avoid potentially harming dolphins, whales and other species.

U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesman Mark Matsunaga says the Navy is reviewing the order and can’t comment on specifics.

But he says it’s essential for sailors to have realistic training that fully prepares them and to have equipment that has been thoroughly tested.