Following adoption of the relevant legislation, five new River Basin District Administrations (ARHs) were created in 2007 as the main bodies responsible for water resources planning and the development of River Basin Management Plans (PBHs). These Plans, yet to be finalised, will replace the River Basin Plans of 2000/01 and are expected to provide a better instrument for managing and protecting surface and groundwater resources. Important linkages are expected to be made with plans for the management of coastal areas. However, they have not been applied because of difficulties with the registration of water users.