Volume One 13. Use of the Coastal Environment Moorings Management Areas [C] Objective 13.8 – Efficient use of the coastal marine area where there is competing demand to occupy coastal space for swing moorings. Where there is ongoing demand for coastal space for moorings as well as competing demand for other uses or activities in the same space, a comprehensive management regime must be in place to ensure that efficient use of the coastal marine area is achieved. This will help to minimise overlap between swing circles and therefore reduce the risk of damage to boats. [C] Policy 13.8.1 – Where there is competing demand in the coastal marine area to accommodate swing moorings, Moorings Management Areas may be established to manage the placement and use of swing moorings. Moorings Management Areas are a relatively new concept, having been developed initially to manage conflicting demands with large numbers of swing moorings and other activities within Waikawa Bay. If a Moorings Management Area is established, it shall only be so through the plan change process of the First Schedule after having regard to the matters in Policy 13.8.2. These areas will be identified on the MEP maps. [C] Policy 13.8.2 – To determine the appropriateness of an area of coastal space to become a Moorings Management Area in the Marlborough Environment Plan, the following matters will be considered: (a) current and anticipated demand for swing moorings in the area; (b) the cumulative effect (including on coastal amenity values and benthic habitats) of swing moorings and the capacity of the area to accommodate existing and additional moorings; (c) whether there are issues with the layout of existing swing moorings, including overlapping of swing circles; (d) the intensity, character and scale of other activities in the area, including: (i) the extent to which the use of or access to other coastal structures located in the area are or will be affected by additional swing moorings; (ii) residential development existing in the area and the potential for future development, having regard to the zoning of land; (iii) recreational activities occurring in the coastal marine area; and (e) impacts on navigation due to continuing with an uncontrolled approach to siting of swing moorings. This policy describes the matters to be considered in assessing new locations to be managed as Moorings Management Areas. At the time the MEP was notified on 9 June 2016, the only Moorings Management Areas that had been identified were located in Waikawa Bay. These were established in response to the ongoing demand for moorings in the bay and the different uses competing for water space. It is likely that other areas of the Marlborough Sounds may in future see a high demand for coastal space for swing moorings. If demand reaches a point which results in inefficient use of coastal space, it may be appropriate to introduce Moorings Management Areas in other locations. 13 – 19