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Oil and gas plans hit by dolphins Oil and gas plans hit by dolphins
(about 2 hours later)
Parts of Cardigan Bay may be off limits for oil and gas exploration because of a school of bottlenose dolphins, according to the UK Government.Parts of Cardigan Bay may be off limits for oil and gas exploration because of a school of bottlenose dolphins, according to the UK Government.
Last year three companies applied for licences to explore the bay for reserves of the fossil fuels.Last year three companies applied for licences to explore the bay for reserves of the fossil fuels.
But research by the government has shown not enough is known about the dolphins in west Wales to judge how they might be affected by exploration.But research by the government has shown not enough is known about the dolphins in west Wales to judge how they might be affected by exploration.
Licences for Scotland's Moray Firth are more likely to be approved.Licences for Scotland's Moray Firth are more likely to be approved.
In June last year, it emerged applications had been lodged to explore for oil and gas in three areas of seabed off the coast in Wales, each measuring 250 sq km.In June last year, it emerged applications had been lodged to explore for oil and gas in three areas of seabed off the coast in Wales, each measuring 250 sq km.
One possible drilling site is north of Fishguard, and two other blocks are further out to sea, north of Cardigan.One possible drilling site is north of Fishguard, and two other blocks are further out to sea, north of Cardigan.
Around 240 bottlenose dolphins are estimated to live in the bayAround 240 bottlenose dolphins are estimated to live in the bay
There have been several protests since against the plans, but UK Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said his officials had listened to local concerns.There have been several protests since against the plans, but UK Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said his officials had listened to local concerns.
He added most of the areas covered by the 24th offshore oil and gas licensing round had received approval, but there were concerns about Cardigan Bay and Moray Firth.He added most of the areas covered by the 24th offshore oil and gas licensing round had received approval, but there were concerns about Cardigan Bay and Moray Firth.
"My officials visited Cardigan Bay to hear local views first hand and we also received numerous comments from interested parties concerned about the resident bottlenose dolphin population there," said the minister."My officials visited Cardigan Bay to hear local views first hand and we also received numerous comments from interested parties concerned about the resident bottlenose dolphin population there," said the minister.
"At the moment we don't know enough about the number and distribution of the dolphins to be able to decide if it would be safe to explore that area."At the moment we don't know enough about the number and distribution of the dolphins to be able to decide if it would be safe to explore that area.
Left aloneLeft alone
"We know enough about the dolphins at the Moray Firth to make sure that any oil and gas activity is carried out in a manner which minimises or even cancels adverse impacts.""We know enough about the dolphins at the Moray Firth to make sure that any oil and gas activity is carried out in a manner which minimises or even cancels adverse impacts."
Save Our Sea, which is opposed to oil and gas exploration in Cardigan Bay, said it was encouraged by Mr Wicks' announcement.Save Our Sea, which is opposed to oil and gas exploration in Cardigan Bay, said it was encouraged by Mr Wicks' announcement.
"Our minimum demand is that a special area of conservation (in Cardigan Bay) is left alone, and it looks as though the government is taking this on board," said activist Christopher Simpson."Our minimum demand is that a special area of conservation (in Cardigan Bay) is left alone, and it looks as though the government is taking this on board," said activist Christopher Simpson.
Draft environmental assessments about plans for Moray First and Cardigan Bay are now subject to a three-month public consultation.Draft environmental assessments about plans for Moray First and Cardigan Bay are now subject to a three-month public consultation.
It is estimated 240 bottlenose dolphins swim in Cardigan Bay.It is estimated 240 bottlenose dolphins swim in Cardigan Bay.
Ceredigion MP Mark Williams said he was delighted with the news.Ceredigion MP Mark Williams said he was delighted with the news.
"Today's announcement means no drilling in the bay for the foreseeable future. We will have to remain vigilant in future years," said Mr Williams. He said: "Today's announcement means no drilling in the bay for the foreseeable future. We will have to remain vigilant in future years.
"This is a significant response to the concerted effort that we have waged locally.""This is a significant response to the concerted effort that we have waged locally."