21 August 2008 Chapter 9 - Coastal Marine The Sounds' community, and those who use the Sounds for recreational use, have Tory Channel and Queen Charlotte Sound specifically managed in respect of ship- generated waves. This also includes protecting their health and safety. In terms of cultural matters, the proposed framework also recognises the significance of the National Transportation Route and its surrounding area to Te Atiawa and ensures that their involvement in this matter is ongoing. In providing for a National Transportation Route for shipping activity, it is recognised that there will inevitably be unavoidable adverse effects on the environment of Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel. Ongoing research and monitoring will be required so that appropriate action can be taken in a timely way. The shipping industry will be encouraged to contribute to this research and monitoring work and to assist in devising ways of managing the effects of shipping activity into the future. It is not possible to completely avoid present and future adverse environmental effects generated by ships using Tory Channel and Queen Charlotte Sound without imposing very restrictive controls. Such controls are not regarded as being a realistic or justifiable option given the important regional and national economic benefits derived from the operation of ships using this transportation route. There are other policies in the Plan that further address the environmental effects of shipping activity and, which need to be considered in conjunction with those above. Refer particularly to Chapter 6: Tangata Whenua and Heritage; Chapter 8: Public Access and Chapter 19: Water Transportation. 9.5.3 Methods of Implementation Area Tory Channel and part of Queen Charlotte Sound have been Identification identified as a National Transportation Route -see Volume Three. The National Transportation Route is located in Tory Channel and extends into inner Queen Charlotte Sound (between West Head, Ruakaka Bay, and a point southwest of Kaitapeha Bay) to the Port of Picton (excluding Grove Arm). Queen Charlotte Sound (excluding the National Transportation Route) has also been defined as being part of an established shipping route. Rules Rules relating to the use of surface waters by ships apply to Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel. The use of surface waters in these areas is subject to maximum speed limits and for controlled activities, a maximum wave energy limit as well. The areas to which speed limits apply are defined in Volume Three Maps. Other Navigation and public safety within the harbour limits are Legislation also the responsibility of the Council as a harbour authority. The Council's Harbourmaster, under Harbour Bylaws, the Navigation Bylaw 2000, the Maritime Transport Act and associated Maritime Rules, (or any successor to the above bylaws or regulations) carries out these functions. Harbour bylaws may impose additional constraints on speed eg; the 5 knot harbour speed limit. 9 - 23