Marine Scotland received funding for an EMFF (European Maritime and Fisheries Fund) project to provide opportunities for the fishing industry to engage and collaborate with the scientific community and Government departments in Scotland, by carrying out evidence gathering and marine monitoring in relation to the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity, with a particular focus on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The project is called “Engaging Fishermen in Marine Environmental Monitoring” and the primary tool will be using a Drop Down Video (DDV) system developed in Scotland. SeaScope have been engaged by Marine Scotland to develop and test robust underwater video camera systems for use from fishing vessels and to undertake a series of sea trials to generate data on MPAs and Protected Marine features (PMFs).  In addition, we are engaging with industry through on board training and ongoing communication and at relevant conferences.The project runs until June 2020.