Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan 21 August 2008 The policies set out a framework that provides certainty for all existing users of the Sounds as to an accepted level of effects within Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel where the adverse effects of ship-generated waves and speed have been apparent. The policies seek to achieve an acceptable balance between the positive benefits that flow from inter-island shipping activity and the need to appropriately manage the adverse effects of inter island shipping activity on the coastal environment. The policies enable certain inter-island ships to continue to operate at speeds through the National Transportation Route, consistent with the operating parameters that existed as at 14 November 2002, being the date variation 3 to the Plan was notified, to include the issue of ship wake and speed. The controls for managing the effects of shipping activity in Queen Charlotte Sound and on the National Transportation Route are based on ship-generated wave energy. The Environment Court has determined that the amount of energy appropriate for the National Transportation Route is to be founded on the environmental effects associated with conventional ships operating prior to the introduction of the M.V. Aratere in 1999. The energy limits included in the Plan are therefore based on the need to ensure that damage or change at the shore is minimised, that cultural values of Te Atiawa and the amenity values enjoyed by residents are provided for and that the natural character of the Sounds environment is protected. The Council will continue to monitor the state of the Sounds environment and the impact of ship generated waves on the environment. It is envisaged that the methods currently included in the Plan for addressing the issues arising from ship-generated waves will be used until such time as more is learned about the type and wave-generating characteristics of future ships to be introduced to service on the National Transportation Route. Plan policies and methods will be adapted in future where changes in the type, scale or intensity of shipping result in the need for a different response to worsened environmental effects associated with Ship-generated waves. The provision of accurate and up to date information on the environmental effects of waves generated by shipping activity is the foundation of an adaptive management regime that continually assesses the overall framework established to manage the issue. The direction established by the above policies is based on the assumption that the effects of ships can be effectively and efficiently managed. Information will need to continue to be collected, analysed and an assessment made with regard ro the effectiveness and efficiency of the regulatory framework. This process is fundamental to an adaptive management regime, which recognises the uncertainty of understanding the effects of change in the coastal environment. 'It is envisaged that the existing operators of inter-island ships will be a key contributor to this process, so that future endeavours to manage the issue will be based on the best available information and will best represent the interests of stakeholders. This is strongly preferred over an approach where the Council is required to act on its own in regulating shipping activity in the Sounds. This is consistent with the adoption of an adaptive management approach that is responsive to new information and better understanding. This is based on a collaborative approach, which becomes available through the monitoring and shared analyses of existing and future shipping activities, state of the environment monitoring and future technological advances in ship design. 9 - 22