Marine and fisheries compliance: referrals of cases to Crown Office

The data below shows the number of referrals to  the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) made each year, along with the associated offence type.

Where there is sufficient evidence and prosecution is in the public interest, Marine Directorate refers the case to COPFS, who decide whether the case should proceed to trial or be resolved with a fiscal fine.

Data will not be published where there is any possibility that a living person could be identified.

It should be noted that reports received represent the start of a process, whereas FPNs issued and referrals to COPFS are, in most cases, the end of one. As the data covers the same time period, figures may not relate to the same events.