The number of fines issued to rogue fishermen has decreased over the past three years while skippers caught fishing in protected waters have not been reported to the procurator fiscal, we can reveal.
Over 100 boats were reportedly seen in protected fishing areas over the past four years, and campaigners say rogue fishermen are supplying a black market for seafood.
Video footage of damage to the seabed by illegal scallop dredging off Jura has been obtained by The Ferret, prompting calls for urgent enforcement action to be taken against rogue fisherman.
Marine wildlife in a vast area of ocean to the north of Scotland is at risk from trawlers because of a gaping loophole in international fishing regulations
Suspicious scallop dredging activity has taken place in the Sound of Mull, according to the campaign group, Open Seas.
