KILLING seals is to be banned all year round under laws proposed for managing the seas around Scotland.

Legislation on seal conservation dating to 1970 is to be repealed and killing or injuring a seal is to be made an offence, except under licence or for animal welfare concerns.

At present, licensing applies only during the breeding season.

The curbs form part of Scotland's first Marine Bill, which Rural Secretary Richard Lochhead hailed as a "milestone" in managing the seas.

If passed by MSPs, the law will cover the seas from shore to the 12-mile limit, and will attempt to balance competing interests through a legal planning framework.

Launching the Bill, Mr Lochhead said: "We are responding to demand for change."

The Scottish Fishermen's Federation said it backed the overall aims but the Bill could pose opportunities and threats for the fishing industry.

Spokesman Bertie Armstrong said: "It is vital the Bill avoids the pitfall of paying disproportionate attention to the high profile issues of environmental protection and offshore renewable energy.

"Proper recognition must always be given to fishing and the vital economic role it plays."