13. Use of the Coastal Environment Volume One [RPS, C] Policy 13.4.1 – Support and advocate for intensive management of recreational and commercial fishing within the enclosed waters of the Marlborough Sounds. Currently, the Marlborough Sounds are part of the Challenger Fisheries Management Area, which extends north from the Clarence River, through Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds, west to Farewell Spit and down the west coast of the South Island. This area contains both open coastal water, near shore areas and the enclosed waters of the Sounds. Although there are restrictions that apply to different parts of this extensive area (including within the Marlborough Sounds), the Council believes that an intensive management regime needs to be applied to the Marlborough Sounds specifically, rather than as part of a much larger management area. This recognises the continued increased pressure on fisheries, especially from recreational fishing. [RPS, C] Policy 13.4.2 – Support community groups working towards a sustainable fishery for the Marlborough Sounds. Often local community groups provide the initial impetus for responding to issues and it is important to support these groups where possible. Methods of implementation The methods listed below are to be implemented by the Council unless otherwise specified. [RPS, C] 13.M.9 Advocacy/Support Advocate to the Minister of Fisheries that both commercial and recreational fishing be further regulated within the enclosed waters of the Marlborough Sounds to enhance natural fisheries. Support initiatives of community groups working towards sustainable fisheries by providing advice and financial support where resources permit. Residential activity Like many others locations around the country, Marlborough’s coastal areas are an attractive place for people to live. The Marlborough Sounds especially have long been a desirable location in which to live and holiday, with approximately 5,000 houses and holiday homes established. These dwellings and their associated jetties, boatsheds and moorings are obviously already part of the landscape in the locations in which they occur, especially the inner parts of Queen Charlotte, Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds. The density of residential use varies, ranging from baches in isolated bays (used on an intermittent basis) to ribbon development along the coastline. The density of residential activity decreases with distance from the access points of Picton and Havelock, so large parts of the outer Sounds are empty of structures. The south Marlborough coast is much less developed for residential living, although the Rarangi settlement has provided a coastal living experience for people for many years, as has an area of larger lifestyle blocks closer to the Wairau Diversion. Generally however, the southern coast experiences a lower level of pressure for living in coastal areas than does the Marlborough Sounds. 13 – 12