Appendix Two G Marine - Tory Channel Collective Characteristics: Mainly Sheltered Sheltered; clear, cool waters; strong currents; narrow cobble fringe bordered by clean sands in channel; kelp and sea lettuce. A. The Physical Environment 1. Form/Geology Relatively narrow cobble (and in places bedrock) reef fringes the shore, with clean current swept sand/shell along the edge of the main channel. Larger bays and inlets are dominated by mud/silt habitat. 2. Dynamic Features and Processes, Including Climate Very sheltered. 3. Water Clear, cool oceanic waters enter Tory Channel from Cook Strait resulting in low turbidity and sedimentation levels. Very strong tidal currents sweep along the main open ended channel. The tidal range, however, is relatively small. B. The Biological Environment Distinctive Biota, Communities and Habitats Natural Biodiversity, Productivity and Biotic Patterns Stands of the kelp Macrocystis pyrife ra fringe the shoreline along much of the main channel, distinguishing Tory Channel from most other sheltered locations in the Sounds. Dense beds of other macro-algae (mostly sea lettuce) also occur in areas less exposed to the current. Other seaweeds are generally confined to a narrow fringe below the low water mark similar to other sheltered areas of the Sounds. Reef areas otherwise support an array of invertebrate marine life typical of sheltered areas of the Sounds. Near-shore communities very depressed where exposed to the effects of wakes from some large vessels. C. Potential for Restoration Remedy or mitigate any adverse effects of ship operations. App Two - 69