New legislation has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament in a bid to provide more effective management of the seas around the Scottish coast, as well as improving conservation measures.

The first Marine Bill, which has been developed following calls from a number of environmental organisations, coastal communities and the marine industry, contains a range of measures to safeguard Scotland's coastal areas, including 18,862km (11,720 miles) of coastline and 470,000sq km (181,468sq miles) of seas. Included in the legislation is a new marine planning framework to closely monitor the increased use of seas for fishing, energy and recreation, while also ensuring a stable environment for economic development.

The bill will also seek to improve the conservation of marine wildlife habitats and ecosystems, increased protection for historic sites and shipwrecks, and the full regulation of seal management. Richard Lochhead, the Scottish rural affairs and environment secretary, said: "We have huge potential to increase economic growth from our seas but need to do so in a sustainable way. We need to remember that Scotland is also a leading marine tourism destination and any changes should not be at the environment's expense.

"Striking the right balance between the long-term viability and growth of our marine industries and the enhanced protection of our special marine environment is at the very heart of our bill."