Surveys of whales and dolphins on Tasmania's west coast have found some species are more common than once thought.

University of Tasmania researcher, Karen Evans, says much of what is known about cetaceans in the area is anecdotal, or based on information gleaned from strandings.

Ms Evans has been conducting monthly aerial surveys on the west coast for nearly three years and says there have been exciting sightings of blue whales and other species.

"We've been seeing seasonal visitors such as long-finned pilot whales using the area quite extensively while they're there during the spring and summer months," she said.

"The area is also used by common dolphins and offshore bottle-nosed dolphins which are seen right throughout the year."

Ms Evans says that before there is any increase in drilling, exploration or fishing in the area, further research is needed.

"Perhaps if you have a certian species that are only there seasonally you then have the knowledge to shift those whatever operations you might have in those areas to times when those animals aren't there."