The executive agency has been created to deliver the Government''s services to the fishing industry and a number of marine environmental interests
It will carry out fisheries inspection and enforcement work
previously done by the Sea Fisheries Inspectorate. It will also be responsible for administering fishing licensing and quota regimes, the provision of grants and advice to the fishing sector, collating and analysing statistical data on UK fisheries, and providing some marine conservation services.
The agency was created following a recommendation made by the Review of Marine Fisheries and Environmental Enforcement. Mr Bradshaw said: "Our aim is to manage fisheries more effectively within a healthy and flourishing marine environment, and the new Marine Fisheries Agency will play a big part in ensuring this happens. I wish the team every success."
Nigel Gooding, Chief Executive of the Marine Fisheries Agency, said: "The Agency's creation is part of a long-term programme of change that will continue the Government's work to improve the way fisheries are administered."
