Volume One 13. Use of the Coastal Environment in nature and includes transport of tourists, logs and livestock as well as fishing and marine farming fleets. These vessels are generally smaller than the interisland ferries. However, an increasing number of recreational and commercial vessels use Sounds waters and some of these vessels travel at speeds similar to fast ferries. At this stage there is little justification for the regulation of shipping activity in areas outside of Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel, but the potential for adverse effects from waves generated by these ships may need to be investigated and reassessed in the future. [C] Objective 13.16 – The environmental effects of ship-generated waves and ship speed are managed so that potential conflict with other coastal users and values is avoided. Ships that can travel at high speed and/or generate significant waves have been shown to have adverse impacts within the enclosed waters of Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel. This objective seeks to avoid adverse impacts on cultural values, natural character, marine ecology, recreational use, navigational safety and amenity values whilst allowing the continued use of the Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel for water transportation purposes. [C] Policy 13.16.1 – The effects of shipping activity in Queen Charlotte Sound and on the National Transportation Route will be: (a) based on ship-generated wave energy; and (b) managed in terms of the wave energy levels of those ships, based on the effects associated with the conventional ships operating prior to the introduction of the MV Aratere in 1999. The Environment Court has determined that the amount of energy appropriate for the National Transportation Route is to be founded on the environmental effects associated with conventional ships operating prior to the introduction of the M.V. Aratere in 1999. The energy limits included in the MEP are therefore based on the need to ensure that damage or change at the shore is minimised, cultural values of Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi and the amenity values enjoyed by residents and visitors are provided for, and the natural character of the Sounds environment is protected. [C] Policy 13.16.2 – Recognise and provide continued access to and use of traditional coastal resources in Tory Channel and Queen Charlotte Sound for Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi and in particular, recognise the value of Tory Channel for Te Atiawa, in terms of the mauri, mana an d manaakitanga that this area brings to iwi. The tikanga Māori (customary values and practices) of Te Atiawa have been adversely affected by the operation of ships, particularly fast ferries, with a decline in kaimoana and associated mana. The need for Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi to practice kaitiakitanga and ensure that Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel are available for future generations is very important. [C] Policy 13.16.3 – When considering applications for resource consent for ships expected to propagate waves with energy levels in excess of limits specified in the Marlborough Environment Plan, have particular regard to the potential for adverse effects on: (a) places and cultural values of importance to Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi; (b) the ability of people to effectively use any lawfully established structure for that structure's intended purpose and any adverse effects on the structure itself; (c) people's use and enjoyment of the foreshore and coastal marine area for recreational activities; 13 – 43