A special research project is beginning off the west Wales coast to help gain greater conservation protection for whales, dolphins and porpoises in Cardigan Bay.

Environmental campaigners Greenpeace, along with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), are undertaking a survey to establish which species are present and which areas of the bay they use.

Dolphins and porpoises are vulnerable to fishing nets

Results from the two-week long project which begins on Thursday will be used in developing marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) to help conserve their habitat.

Both groups say they are concerned about the threat to the survival of cetaceans (the collective name for whales, dolphins and porpoises) because of their capture in fishing nets and chemical pollution from ships.

Cardigan Bay is one of the last remaining areas around the UK where cetaceans are relatively common.

These include bottlenose and Risso's dolphins.

The Rainbow Warrior - Greenpeace's flagship vessel - is being used to carry out the survey - involving WDCS scientists and local wildlife experts.

WDCS science director, Mark Simmonds, said the survey was significant.

"Cardigan Bay is a special area for porpoises and dolphins.

"We hope this research will contribute to not only a better understanding of these animals but also develop plans for their conservation and protection," he said.

Noise pollution

More than 20 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises can be found in UK waters.

Cardigan Bay is home to around 130 bottlenose dolphins along with harbour porpoises, seabird colonies and seals.

Using the Rainbow Warrior will allow researchers to cover a wider area to produce a more accurate picture of the distribution of animals within the bay.

Greenpeace and the WDCS say they are also concerned about the amount of noise pollution in the waters.

They say that since hearing is a vitally important sense to these animals, noise pollution can be very stressful to them.