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The new Marine Management Organisation, which looks after fishing and related matters around the English coastline, received its official launch in Gateshead yesterday - with a pledge to balance the new development such as wind farms with the need to protect fishing.
The MMO, which replaced the Marine and Fisheries Agency in April, is based in Newcastle, but has 18 regional offices at key fishing ports around England.
The new MMO chairman Chris Parry, said at the launch: We have been up and running since the beginning of April as the champion of sustainable development in our marine and coastal areas. I believe that we are already seeing the considerable benefits of integrated marine management and having a single delivery body, working at both national and local levels, on behalf of all those with an interest and stake in our seas."
MMO Chief Executive, Steven Gant, added "We know that balancing the needs of industries critical to our country's wellbeing, such as energy exploration and fishing, with the pressing needs of our marine eco-systems will be challenging.But we are confident we have the expertise and powers in place to do this successfully. And everyone will benefit from cleaner and healthier seas."
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment and Fisheries, Richard Benyon, said "The Marine and Coastal Access Act is groundbreaking legislation and the MMO will be a vital part in its successful implementation. Our seas are facing increasing pressures, but through the expertise in this one body we will be able to manage those pressures more effectively."
Among the promises is one to " balance the development of marine industries, such as wind farms and oil and gas exploration, with the need to conserve and protect marine species and habitats." It says it will also streamline the management and regulation of England's fisheries and respond to marine emergencies alongside other agencies.
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