Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan The area provides an important ‘mixing zone’ of subantarctic and northern New Zealand species, many of which reach their respective northern and southern limits here, or, in the South Island, are represented only in the Sounds. North Marlborough is one of the national strongholds for widespread species such as hard beech, little blue penguin, fairy prion and fluttering shearwater. Most vulnerable to disturbance and further loss are communities on predator- free islands, alluvial terraces, fans, deltas and floodplains, coastal dunes, all wetlands and estuaries and their margins, riparian margins, coastal and lowland ultramafic areas and regenerating shrublands. There is natural movement of some species, such as seabirds and penguins, between land and sea which are still largely fully functioning. There is also natural movement of wildlife between natural areas generally unrestricted at higher altitudes where areas are largely intact and continuous. There are constraints on natural movement of many species in lowland and coastal natural areas because of loss, contraction, fragmentation and isolation of habitats. Constraints are severe on some species in alluvial natural area remnants. Connections between natural areas of the Sounds proper, and the Pelorus hinterland are also completely severed as are those to the Mts Cullen and Robertson massifs. C. Priorities and Potential for Restoration Re-establishment of natural patterns of indigenous vegetation and wildlife. Minimising threats and maximising viability of nationally and regionally rare communities and species. Reduction of weeds and pests to the point where the indigenous elements can persist as significant components of natural character. Control of pines, old mans beard, banana passionvine, is particularly important as well as control of gorse and Spanish heath in ultramafic areas. Pigs, goats, deer and possums also have major impacts on natural character. Eradication of introduced mammals from islands where technically feasible; establishing protocols and management practices to prevent further introductions. Removal of conspicuous and intrusive development from areas of otherwise high natural character. Prevention of ongoing or new activities which depress or disturb natural character. Re-establishment of natural riparian margins. Restoration of degraded, extremely fragmented communities, especially alluvial systems, estuarine and riparian margins, wetlands and their margins is a major priority. Restoration of coastal and lowland forests, through the continued regeneration of secondary shrublands. App Two - 8