Marine Scotland
Environment
Warning that kelp dredging trials could trigger ‘environmental destruction’
A Scottish Government programme envisaging trials for seaweed dredging around the coast of Scotland has re-awakened fears for the future of “precious” underwater kelp forests.
Environment
Squid trawlers under fire for entering protected waters
Environment
Scottish Government rejects industry pleas on sick salmon photos
Environment
Outrage over loch polluted by plastic waste from fish farm company
A sea loch on the west coast of Scotland prized for its wildlife has been polluted by countless thousands of scraps of plastic waste from the manufacture of salmon farm cages on the shore.
Environment
Fines to rogue fishermen fall and illegal fishing escapes prosecution
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.
Human rights, Privacy and surveillance
Scottish Government departments failing on freedom of information
The efforts of departments in the Scottish Government to improve their freedom of information performance have been "disappointing", according to Scotland's information watchdog.
Environment
Illegal fishing claims after 112 boats seen in Scotland’s protected waters
Environment
Video reveals damage by illegal scallop dredging off Jura
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.