Apart from the RN and Marine Scotland/SFPA - what is the make up of these vessels? Other authorities do inspections closer to shore. I am not surprised they have been cut - look at the Cuts to Border Force, the Police and Prison services, and so on.
There must be some possible technical fix so that the lime and location a boat puts her fishing gear in the water is logged, or for it to be mandatory to keep AIS turned on. AIS was intended for safety and security, but could be used as the starting point - I assume. I would have hoped Government would have looked into this.
I am well aware our own fishermen can be offenders. I have not looked aat that like, as we are all tired of listening to Micheal Gove.