New sea monitoring base created

The sea surrounding England will be monitored from a new headquarters on the coast of Tyneside.

Marine and Fisheries Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced that the area was ideally placed to host the new Marine Management Organisation (MMO).

He said that it had the right mix of environmental, business and adademic marine interests.

The MMO will create a new marine planning system and make sure the coastal and sea areas are protected.

Mr 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 MMO will replace the Marine and Fisheries Agency.