DEEP water coral reefs off the west coast of Scotland could be seriously damaged by oil exploration and production, according to marine scientists based near Oban.

The Scottish Association for Marine Science at Dunstaffnage is starting a three year programme, Managing Impacts in the Marine Environment, which will seek to produce clear guidelines for the industry to avoid damaging a unique eco-system.

The debate over possible damage to the environment as oil-related work expands westwards into the Atlantic has been highlighted in the past week by environmental group Greenpeace, members of which have billeted themselves on Rockall, the last outpost between Scotland and the United States.

But Sams scientists lay more emphasis on gathering information, so that oil-related work can go ahead without damaging the environment.

Sams director Graham Shimmield explained: "The science of the impact of oil exploration and development is also at an early stage, so we are undertaking a three-year study to ensure that we can work out guidelines for the industry."

"There are dangers from drilling and from discharges from the oil facilities including oil itself and chemicals and waste associated with drilling."

Sams is already aware of deep water corals in the area which provide a habitat for up to 300 other species.

Mr Shimmield added: "West of Shetland the waters are deeper and colder. West of the Hebrides the water is slightly warmer, and deep water corals are found in both areas.

"Coral is a bit like the rainforest, it supports a wide variety of life so it is important that it is not damaged."

The £1.8m study is being jointly financed by the oil industry and the Environmental Research Council. Mr Shunmield said this would not influence the findings.