Chichester Harbour Conservancy Appoints New Harbour Master
Jo Cox, new Harbour Master at Chichester Harbour Conservancy
Chichester Harbour Conservancy hasappointed Joanna Cox as Harbour Master. Jo joins the Senior Management Team at the Conservancy, responsible for the safe operation of Chichester Harbour, and management of the Harbour Team.
Jo has a strong maritime background, serving in the Merchant Navy and the British Antarctic Survey where she combined sea going and scientific research, progressing to Chief Officer with Master Mariners certification. In 2012 Jo was appointed Government Officer on the remote sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia involving Harbour Master, Fisheries Officer and other duties. She then took up her first command as Captain on the Royal Research Ship Discovery, before time in the Falklands as Harbour Master in their newly formed Maritime Authority.
Commenting on her appointment, Jo said, "Chichester Harbour is a very special place, and to be part of the team tasked with ensuring that it's safe and accessible to users is a privilege. The appeal of this role was the opportunity to combine my professional skills and passion for the environment and conservation. The Harbour is used by a vast array of different craft, and my role is to ensure that everyone can enjoy the harbour safely, whilst preserving the unique environment for future generations. Having just returned from time in the Falklands, it's also wonderful to be home!"
Matt Briers CBE, CEO of Chichester Harbour Conservancy added, "Jo's skills made her a unique and very special candidate for this role. Since joining us she's made a significant impact - her knowledge of this stretch of water and coastline is invaluable, and she's already established some excellent maritime working groups and built strong connections."
-ENDS-
For further information please contact Emma Cooper on 01243 214175 oremma@recenseo.co.uk
Notes to editors
About Chichester Harbour Conservancy
Chichester Harbour Conservancy is the statutory authority for Chichester Harbour and, as a team, manages the Harbour and surrounding areas. The Conservancy focuses on recreation and leisure, conservation and landscape protection, ensuring Chichester Harbour is a destination for visitors to enjoy. It also runs an Education Service for families and schools.
National and International Designations
Chichester Harbour is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Conservancy and the National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (NAAONB) work closely with the Government, landowners, environment organisations and local communities to ensure the Harbour is conserved and cared for. The intertidal areas across Chichester Harbour are also designated at national (Site of Special Scientific Interest), European (SPA, SAC) and international level (Ramsar site) in order to protect the diverse and fragile range of habitats.