Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan 20 August 2015 There is an ongoing demand for marina berths within the Sounds, which generally exceeds the existing supply, consequently resulting in large waiting lists for berths. Where such demand is long term, additional marina capacity is likely to be needed, and new facilities may be required. Generally, the provision of additional marina capacity focuses on enhancing existing facilities, which are already well serviced and strategically located to urban areas, the transport network and to the principal areas of recreation and boating within the Sounds. Demand for marina berths should be provided within or by extension of existing marinas in preference to establishing new marina facilities in areas that have not yet been subjected to such development. 10.7.1 Issue Inadequate provision of land with amenities compatible with marina activity can result in lack of recreational opportunities and adverse effects on the environment of surrounding areas; and, The need to manage the effects of marinas, and Managing on-going demand for new marina berths. The Sounds offer extensive opportunities for both commercial and recreational boating. With their strategic positioning in the Marlborough Sounds, both Picton and Havelock represent significant marine centres. Marina activity is an integral part of the urban environment. In addition, marinas offer a rationalisation of coastal marine space by concentrating moorings. Marinas provide the most efficient method of water based berthage currently available. Marinas also concentrate adverse effects (such as antifouling and sewage discharges) to a single part of the coastal marine area, avoiding the need for such activity and effects throughout the coastal marine area. Good design and equipment, combined with appropriate controls can minimise the adverse effects within the marina itself. 10.7.1.1 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 Maintaining a standard of amenity in existing marinas which is compatible with marina activities while avoiding, remedying and mitigating adverse effects resulting from this activity on the environment. Policy 1.1 Avoid, as much as practicable, adverse effects on the natural character of the coast by enabling marina activity in existing marinas or in areas where natural character has been compromised. Interaction between the water based activities which take place in the Sounds, and those which take place in the urban environment, is recognised by the marina. The marina links the urban environment with the significant recreational and commercial boating activity which takes place in the Marlborough Sounds. Marinas serve additional purposes to simple boat mooring, largely as a result of their placement in the urban environment. Often there is a demand for a variety of activities to be located in close proximity to a marina. These activities may include boat brokering, charter boat hire, chandlery, sail making, parking, boat building, vessel maintenance, club facilities and restaurants. 10 - 32