Nicola Sturgeon is to address a summit of Scotland's fishing and seafood sector on the potential impacts of Brexit.

The roundtable discussion will include delegates from the fishing, processing and aquaculture industry along with environmentalists and representatives from port authorities and the food and drink sector.

Top of the agenda will be concerns over how Britain's exit from the EU will affect Scottish seafood exports and how any negative impacts will be mitigated.

Fish and seafood accounted for the majority of Scotland's food exports in 2017 and were worth around £944m, up 23% from last year and more than double the figure in 2007.

However, Scottish ministers have previously warned that losing tariff-free access to the European single market could be "devastating" for the industry.

The meeting in Edinburgh will also see a discussion of the future of fisheries management in Scotland, as Britain prepares to leave Europe's common fisheries policy (CFP).

The CFP allows vessels from EU countries to harvest fish from British waters, an arrangement intended to be reciprocal but which critics in the industry have long maintained disadvantages UK fishermen.

Scottish fishermen have demanded the UK immediately leaves the CFP in March next year when Britain formally leaves the EU.

It came after draft guidelines for the EU side of Brexit trade talks revealed they were seeking to continue "existing reciprocal access to fishing waters" during the transition period, which lasts until the end of 2020.

Rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing, who is also attending the summit, said: "The Scottish seafood sector has gone from strength to strength in recent years and is an important part of our economy.

"But the UK Government's lack of clarity on how the industry will be affected by Brexit is putting the livelihoods of workers and communities at risk.

"With seafood exports to the EU worth £725m last year, the industry needs an assurance that it can continue to easily access EU markets."

The Brexit negotiations must address fears over increased trade barriers, customs delays, EU labour and funding, he added.

The Scottish Government's position is to retain membership of the customs union and single market as part of a "least damaging" Brexit.

Ewing said: "In the absence of any realistic UK Government position, this summit is an opportunity to hear the seafood sector's concerns so we can push for more clarity.

"This will also help us shape our national discussions around the future of fisheries management in Scotland."