A large part of the identity and history of this region is closely tied to the sea and the coast.
While industry related to the sea has changed a lot in recent years there has been strong signs that new investment and developments are being brought to the region right along the coast from the Tees to the Tweed.
This has seen new developments and existing shipyards being modernised and brought back into service.
One of the strongest areas of new industrial growth is the offshore industry which has seen major investment on the Tees and the Tyne .
There is also the possibility of major ship breaking work being brought in Able UK .
More traditional shipyards have also seen a revival in recent years with hope for new orders and refurbishment of older yards.
Wearside developments new hope for orders Two shipyards
And we have successful and growing ports. Teesport and Port of Tyne
One area which has seen big expansion in recent years is leisure with big developments in East coast marinas .
And because of our historic links with the sea we have produced great figures in the past.
Captain James Cook birthplace museum
The Grace Darling story
Our links with the sea provide many thousands of jobs, not just in the industries I have mentioned here but in transport, the military and fishing etc.
The sea and all the maritime industry which depend on it, is an important part of our past and continues to be part of our present and our future