The new Marine Management Organisation brings together a number of marine management activities.

Its creation was confirmed in an announcement by Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, to the House of Commons and the new organisation came into being at the start of April.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will work closely with a range of organisations and stakeholders in delivering functions on marine planning, marine licensing, nature conservation and fisheries management and enforcement issues.

Mr Benn said: “I am pleased to announce the vesting of the Marine Management Organisation. This is an important step in the implementation of the ground-breaking Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

“Delivering a range of marine functions on behalf of Government, the MMO will bring cohesion, consistency and clarity to the management of marine activities and become a world class leader in this area. I wish it every success.”

The MMO will take over from the Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA), whose remit and responsibilities will now fall to the MMO.

The MMO is chaired by Christopher Parry and led by Steven Gant as chief executive.

Mr Parry has had a distinguished naval career spanning 35 years, including active service in Northern Ireland, the Falklands and the Gulf.

In his early days, he worked in both fishery protection and search and rescue, amongst other roles. He went on to hold director and then director-general roles at the Ministry of Defence.

Mr Parry said: “I hope that everyone will welcome this world-leading approach to the sustainable development and integrated management of our seas and oceans.

“I would like to congratulate and thank all those who have played their part in the establishment of this important delivery body.

“All of us in the MMO are looking forward to working with our partners and the general public in making a very real difference in our marine area.”