Volume One 13. Use of the Coastal Environment to immediately adjoining properties, in which case the matters in Policy 13.9.1 are to be assessed in determining the suitability of the mooring in Waikawa Bay. Waikawa Bay is a focal point for recreational boating activity but is also important for commercial and cultural activities. Given the competing demands to occupy and use coastal space in Waikawa Bay, Moorings Management Areas have been established to identify appropriate locations for moorings within the bay. New moorings outside the defined Moorings Management Area in Waikawa Bay are to be avoided, unless for the specific purpose of mooring boats associated with adjacent land. The MEP identifies specific locations for Moorings Management and Waka Management Areas within Waikawa Bay, which is the coastal marine area south of a line between The Snout and Karaka Point. Methods of implementation The methods listed below are to be implemented by the Council unless otherwise specified. [C] 13.M.12 Moorings Management Areas A specific regime is proposed for the management of moorings in the Marlborough Sounds where there is significant competition for coastal space. Moorings Management Areas may be established to avoid conflict with competing uses and users and to ensure efficient use is achieved. [C] 13.M.13 Bylaw Management of Moorings Management Areas will occur either through a bylaw promulgated under the Local Government Act or, if no bylaw is in place, through the resource consent process. The bylaw will establish a licensing system for the allocation and management of swing moorings within a Moorings Management Area, or swing moorings for waka within a Waka Mooring Management Area. [C] 13.M.14 Regional rules Short term anchorage of ships/boats will be enabled by a permitted activity rule. Moorings within a Moorings Management Area will be provided for as a restricted discretionary activity, subject to standards and terms, unless a bylaw is in place that provides the management framework. If a bylaw is in place, moorings within the Moorings Management Area will be a permitted activity. Where a mooring located outside of a Moorings Management Area is sought, a discretionary activity resource consent will be required. [C] 13.M.15 Information Publications such as ‘The Pilot’ and “The Cruising Guide’ provide information on anchorages, as do navigational charts and directions from the Harbourmaster. [C] 13.M.16 Monitoring and investigation The Council will annually monitor the number and location of moorings for which resource consent has been granted. By 9 June 2021, and having regard to the monitoring information, the Council will determine whether investigations into establishing a carrying capacity for moorings in the Marlborough Sounds is necessary. 13 – 23