Marine and Fisheries Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said Tyneside is ideally placed to host the groundbreaking new Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The MMO, part of the government's pioneering Marine and Coastal Access Bill, will be a centre of expertise that will contribute to sustainable development, streamline regulation and improve enforcement.
Tyneside's bid won strong backing across the North East, and Ministers decided the area had the right mix of environmental, business and academic marine interests.
The MMO's responsibilities will include:
- a new marine planning system
- a new integrated marine licensing system
- enforcement of sea fisheries, nature conservation and licensing using powers under the Marine and Coastal Access Bill
Huw Irranca-Davies said "Tyneside was chosen for several reasons, not least because of its broad range and good balance of marine interests. It has a working port, a busy local fishing industry, and businesses including offshore renewable energy development, all of which fit well with the MMO's role.
"The new organisation's location is integral to its ability to be highly respected by everyone who uses and values our seas, and in Tyneside the MMO will be close to people and organisations who care passionately about marine protection and how we use our seas.
"All of the shortlisted locations made professional, well-presented bids and I thank everyone involved for their efforts and enthusiasm."
The MMO will be a non-departmental public body and will replace the Marine and Fisheries Agency. It will take on the new marine planning function and some responsibilities from other government departments and agencies, bringing together marine functions in one independent body for the first time.
The MMO applies to the waters around England and also UK offshore waters for non-devolved and reserved matters. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will have separate arrangements.
For more information go to http://www.defra.gov.uk/marine/legislation/ and http://www.mfa.gov.uk/
