Member Article

New marine centre for Tyneside

The North East is to become the home of the headquarters for a new ‘super agency’ to manage and regulate the seas around England.

The Government’s new Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will be based on Tyneside after beating off pitches from Plymouth, the East Riding of Yorkshire, Merseyside, and London.

The MMO, which will protect the UK’s coastal waters, is part of the Government’s pioneering Marine and Coastal Access Bill and brings together several marine departments in one super agency for the first time. It is intended to be a centre of expertise to promote sustainable development of the sea and coast.

Environment minister 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.”

Local agencies including the Tyne and Wear Development Company, Newcastle City Council and North Tyneside Council worked together to outline the strengths of the region during a visit by officials from the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) last year. Local MPs Alan Campbell and Nick Brown also lobbied on behalf of the region.

Paul Buie, manager of Tyne and Wear Development Company, said: “The competition was strong but Tyne and Wear is an excellent location and was able to call on key support from within the region. We have a proud tradition and excellent skills base in the maritime and marine industries.

“Locating the MMO here will create new opportunities for the region and deliver a good mix of skilled jobs over time. It’s an exciting development that will ensure Tyneside becomes an international centre of marine expertise.”

Environment minister 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.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .