Appendix Two Overall Natural Character of the Marlborough Sounds - Freshwater Collective Characteristics An abundance of small coastal streams with good water quality and instream habitat makes the area nationally significant for its native fishery values. A. The Physical Environment 1. Landforms/Geological Features Generally small contributing catchments. Abundance of small coastal streams. 2. Climate Strong climatic gradients between Pelorus hinterland (high rainfall) to the Cook Strait narrows (low rainfall) influence catchment size and summer low flows. 3. Natural Water Quality The natural water quality of the Marlborough Sounds is very high although degraded in some lowland river catchments (Rai and Kaituna). Very clear, cool waters flow from forested catchments. B. The Biological Environment Distinctive Biota, Communities and Habitats Natural Biodiversity, Productivity and Biotic Patterns High freshwater diversity due to habitat heterogeneity, and coastal proximity. Wide range of natural levels of biological productivity. Valued trout fishery in large catchments such as the Pelorus. Very diverse native fisheries in small low-gradient coastal streams, particularly in the Outer Sounds. Provides habitat for the survival of a number of endemic freshwater fish species. Banded kokopu, koaro, torrentfish, blue-gilled and redfin bullies widespread throughout Sounds, and limited records of giant and short jawed kokopu. Lamprey and dwarf galaxias also present in a few streams. Riparian, wetland and estuarine habitat, water quality, unimpeded passage for migratory fish including coastal access, are all important in sustaining significant and threatened freshwater fish species found in the Marlborough Sounds (short jawed, giant and banded kokopu). Numerous small estuaries, wetlands and streams vulnerable to disturbance. Natural biotic patterns are complex. Strongly influenced by intricate landforms, substrate patterns, strong climatic gradients between Pelorus hinterland (high rainfall) to the Cook Strait (low rainfall). App Two - 9