THE Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has appointed Dr Melanie Austen as its Chief Scientific Advisor. She will ensure the organisation has access to the latest scientific evidence to support its decision-making and operations.

Austen will combine her role at the MMO with her appointment as Head of Science for Sea and Society at Plymouth Marine Laboratory. She has had 25 years experience of research into marine biodiversity and other related issues and has published or contributed to more than 60 papers.

She is also Associate Editor for the Journal of Applied Ecology and for Marine Biodiversity, holds a degree in Marine Biology from Heriot-Watt University and completed her PhD from Exeter University in 1986.

Chris Parry, Chair of the MMO, said: “As the national champion of sustainable development in our marine and coastal area, the MMO will benefit greatly from Dr Austen’s wealth of experience and expertise. She will be providing independent, objective advice to ensure we have access to leading-edge research, knowledge and data across all disciplines.”