Appendix Two A Marine - Eastern Cook Strait and Outer Queen Charlotte Sound Collective Characteristics: Mainly Exposed Very exposed; clear, cold oceanic waters; strong currents; rich reef communities; kelp beds; sandy sediments off-shore. A. The Physical Environment 1. Form/Geology Steeply sloping shores with bedrock and boulder reefs extending into relatively deep water dominate the near-shore environment. Pea gravel beaches also occur. Sandy sediments extend off-shore, with surface corrugations and ripples in exposed places. 2. Dynamic Features and Processes, Including Climate Large southerly swells drive directly onto the exposed eastern shores, creating a very high energy coastline. Arapawa Island provides some protection to the northern entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound. 3. Water Generally high water clarity, especially around Arapawa Island. Cold oceanic waters derived from the Southern Current. Strong tidal currents, especially off headlands, off-shore rocks/islands and near the entrance to Tory Channel. B. The Biological Environment Distinctive Biota, Communities and Habitats Natural Biodiversity, Productivity and Biotic Patterns Luxuriant beds of large brown seaweeds, mostly on exposed shores often extending into relatively deep waters. Kelps Durvillea spp. and Lessonia varieg Macrocystis beds occur in Outer Queen Charlotte ata are key species. Sound. Diverse and productive reef communities. Sessile filter feeding animals thrive, particularly in areas of strong tidal currents. Other notable species include the pin-cushion seastar (Eurygonia s hyclocantus ) and girdled wrasse (Notolabrus inscriptus). App Two - 63