Volume One 13. Use of the Coastal Environment [C] Policy 13.13.9 – In addition to the matters in Policy 13.13.7, any proposal for dredging within the coastal marine area that is not for ship berthage or navigational channels in the Port Zone and/or Marina Zone or for river mouth/stormwater pipe clearance shall demonstrate: (a) the necessity of the dredging; and (b) an appropriate disposal method, having regard to the matters in Policy 13.12.1 concerning disposal, if disposal is to occur in the coastal marine area. From time to time the Council has received resource consent applications for dredging or other disturbance related activities in the coastal marine area that are not related to the operation of existing ports and marinas. Although these applications are not significant in number, it is appropriate to provide a management framework by which applications can be assessed. Methods of implementation The methods listed below are to be implemented by the Council unless otherwise specified. [C] 13.M.17 Regional rules Regional rules provide for structures and disturbance activities as permitted activities (subject to meeting standards), where these will have no more than minor adverse effects on the environment. This includes for navigation, recreational activities, temporary scientific monitoring equipment and beach enhancement. Discretionary activity consents will be required for most occupations, reclamations and many disturbance activities. Detailed assessment criteria are included within the policies to assist decision makers in determining whether consent should be granted. [C] 13.M.18 Bylaws A bylaw promulgated under the Local Government Act may be used to control the use of vehicles on the foreshore. Shipping activity With Marlborough having 18 percent of New Zealand’s coastline, it is not surprising that water transportation is an important part of Marlborough’s overall transport network. The Council is the harbour authority for Marlborough and exercises the functions, duties and powers required under the Local Government Act 2002 and delegations under the Maritime Transport Act 1994. Some overlap may occur in terms of the functions of the Council as a harbour authority and in its responsibilities to follow the RMA. The first boating users of the Marlborough Sounds were Mā ori, who used important waka navigation routes within the Sounds. Since those early times, the waters of the Sounds have become strategically important to New Zealand’s overall national transportation network. The link between the North and South Islands is especially important, with large numbers of passengers and significant volumes of freight transported daily between Picton and Wellington. Other significant users of the Sounds’ waterways include internationally trading ships, cruise ships, vessels transporting primary produce from around the Sounds, smaller commercial vessels and vessels for commercial or customary fishing and charter purposes. Hundreds of private vessels, yachts, kayaks and other recreational craft also use the Sounds regularly. 13 – 39