Short Biography:
A Director Marine for Natural England, James is responsible for the efficient and effective management in the delivery of Natural's England's Marine Programme, including Marine Protected Areas, marine management and spatial planning, integration of offshore renewables and sustainable fisheries. He is Chair of the Marine Conservation Zone Project Board at national level, and a member of DECC's Severn Tidal Power Project Board.
Before taking up his present post in January 2009, James was Director Policy at Natural England (2006-2008), Head of Policy at English Nature (2002-2006) and Regional Director for South West England (1998-2001). James spent his early career working as a planner in local government before joining the Nature Conservancy Council as Assistant Regional Officer, West Cumbria, in 1983.
Maritime Interests:
Marine Protected Areas, marine spatial planning, offshore renewables, sustainable fisheries, impacts of climate change on marine environment (and possible mitigation and adaptation), ports and shipping.