It is the purpose of this chapter to provide for the orderly, efficient, equitable, safe, and ecologically sound allocation and regulation of moorings, anchorages and unobstructed navigational channels in the territorial waters of the Virgin Islands. The Legislature finds and declares that there exists an exigent need to protect and preserve the natural and historic character of the Territory's harbors, bays, and shoreline areas; improve, protect and maintain water quality for reasonable and beneficial uses; provide for public access, utilization and enjoyment of coastal areas; generate revenue for the improvement and maintenance of harbor and shoreline facilities; encourage water dependent uses; regulate the use of territorial waters to resolve conflicts between competing uses; and authorize the Department of Planning and Natural Resources to administer and enforce provisions relating to the mooring and anchoring of vessels and houseboats and the issuance of permits.