Today announces the new Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will be based in Tyneside.
Joan Edwards, The Wildlife Trusts’ head of marine policy, said: “We welcome the establishment of the MMO. This will be a very important body, responsible for the implementation of the Marine Bill.
“It will need to be a strong organisation and will take the lead on the implementation including, we hope, the designation of Highly Protected Marine Reserves.
“Over the last few years, Link - a coalition of the major NGOs working on marine conservation - has been calling for a Marine Bill which will allow the designation of Highly Protected Marine Reserves (HPMRs). The Government promised in the Command paper last September that the need for HPMRs would be on the face of the Bill. The Bill which is currently being discussed in the Lords does not mention the need for HPMRs.”
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