Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan H Marine - Queen Charlotte Sound Collective Characteristics: Mainly Sheltered Sheltered; waters relatively clear and cool; narrow cobble reef fringe generally with fine sediments and sparse conspicuous marine life beyond; brachiopods and red algae beds. A. The Physical Environment 1. Form/Geology A narrow (20-50m) rubble/cobble near-shore reef typically grades into sand/ shell and mud habitats with greater depth. Mud dominates deeper off-shore areas. 2. Dynamic Features and Processes, Including Climate Relatively sheltered, with limited wave fetch in most places. 3. Water Low to moderate turbidity and sedimentation levels; noticeably clearer than Pelorus Sound. No major rivers discharge into the Sound. Relatively cool waters, especially in the vicinity of Tory Channel and beyond. Relatively small tidal range resulting in a comparatively narrow inter-tidal zone. Strong currents occur at the entrance to Tory Channel and at Pattens Passage and Pickersgill Passage. Moderate currents can occur elsewhere off headlands and between land masses. B. The Biological Environment Distinctive Biota, Communities and Habitats Natural Biodiversity, Productivity and Biotic Patterns Low diversity and coverage of macro-algae usually confined to a narrow zone immediately below the low water mark. Encrusting and mobile invertebrates dominate reef areas. Conspicuous surface species are uncommon over the sand/shell and mud habitats, though in places where environmental conditions are favourable, species such as horse mussels, scallops, brachiopods and bryozoans occur, sometimes in high densities. Inner Sound distinguished by extensive red algae beds. Neothyris lenticularis (a rare brachiopod) is a distinctive inhabitant of inner Queen Charlotte Sound and East Bay. Elephant fish spawning grounds occur in a number of the inner bays. Few and relatively small estuarine wetlands at the heads of major bays and inlets. Near-shore marine 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. Spartina control. App Two - 70