The Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill should send a message to fish farmers that growth in the sector "must not come at the expense of the environment", the Scottish Wildlife Trust said.

The Government hopes the legislation just introduced to Holyrood will help the industry develop in a sustainable way.

Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "I believe we now have a forward-thinking Bill that achieves a balance between supporting fish farming and freshwater fisheries to thrive, while putting in place the legislative steps to ensure Scotland's precious marine environment continues to be protected."

Alex Kinninmonth of the Scottish Wildlife Trust said: "It's in everyone's interest to protect the long-term health of our coastal waters and rivers."