The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) which is responsible for implementing the new Marine Bill is up and running…….

The MMO has just issued a "brochure" (Click Here to download in PDF form) which describes its role and objectives. These include acting as the marine planning authority, setting fisheries policy, creating conservation areas and enforcement of the marine space as appropriate. This could be very good news, but there are important questions relating to the MMO’s accountability and its responsiveness to public opinion and needs, and its ability to carry out its remit with the staffing available.