The Scottish government has agreed to a short delay in bringing in rules to restrict certain fishing activity in 30 Marine Protected Areas.

The move will allow opponents to some of the MPAs to raise their concerns about the impact the restrictions would have on their businesses.

The delay of two weeks follows a meeting between Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead and objectors.

The network of 30 MPAs has been designed to safeguard fragile habitats.

Areas of seabed with a coral-like seaweed called maerl are among the habitats the government wants to protect against scallop dredgers and prawn trawlers.

Pink-purple maerl beds offer protection to young cod, scallops and crabs.

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