In a short video released by BBC Earth, the dramatic effects of scallop dredging and its subsequent ban are brought to light.
In scenes shot in the same area over a 10-year period, what first appeared as a barren wasteland resembling freshly ploughed fields is transformed into an underwater oasis teeming with life and colour.
The footage, which was shot in the Firth of Lorn, Scotland, highlights the plight and effect of commercial dredging operations on our seas. Once the ban was implemented, not only does the underwater life recover relatively quickly, the rehabilitated area also acts as a home to more fish, which in turn brings in more seals, porpoises and sea birds.
While the video highlights the devastating effects of Scallop dredging, it also offers a ray of hope that the marine environment can recover if action is taken.
Check out the BBC video below.
