 SCIENTISTS fear bottlenose dolphins, breeding and feeding along the North Wales coast, could be put at risk from noise from any kind of offshore construction work. Research by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management fears the behaviour of the dolphins, which regularly appear off the northern tip of Anglesey, could be affected by powerful pile-driving into the sea bed. And experts have just highlighted their growing concerns in the CIWEM's Water and Environment Journal. They have called for more research into the reactions of marine mammals to industrial noise, such as the construction of wind farms. One CIWEM expert, Jonathan David, wants measures put in place to help protect dolphins. Dr David said: "Operations should be restricted to low tide and suspended during calving season, an exclusion zone should be monitored before any activity starts and marine work should cease if a dolphin enters the work area," he said. He even suggests some kind of warning signal could be devised to give dolphins time to leave the area. As well as appearing in local waters they are also regularly spotted around the UK, including Cornwall and Dorset. Dr David said: "The frequency range of pile-driving noise could interfere with their ability to communicate, find food and avoid predators. This has the potential to affect their behaviour, health and their ability to breed successfully. Lactating females and young calves might be particularly vulnerable," he added.. Recently, more than 600 dolphins died mysteriously off the Indian Ocean archipelago in Zanzibar. The phenomenon has created a stir among marine experts, with varying theories that the Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphins may have been hurt by pollution or under-water noise. . The bottlenose is a relatively robust dolphin with a usually short and stubby beak - hence the name.. . Its colour varies considerably, but generally is light grey to slate grey on the upper part of the body, shading to lighter sides and belly. . Adult length is from 8-12 feet (2.5-3.8 m) and some may weigh as much as 1,430 pounds (650 kg) off Great Britain, though most are much smaller in other parts of the world. . Feeding behaviours are diverse, primarily involving individually capturing prey, but sometimes involving coordinated efforts to catch food, and feeding in association with human fishing. . An adult bottlenose dolphin may eat between 15-30 pounds (8-15 kg) of food each day. . Males reach sexual maturity at about 10 years and females about 5-10 years. The gestation period is 12 months. Calving can take place year-round with peaks in some areas during spring and autumn. | 
