Chapter 4 - Indigenous Flora and Fauna 4.0 Indigenous Vegetation and Habitats of Indigenous Fauna 4.1 Introduction Section 6(c) of the Act requires that the Plan recognises and provides for “... the protection of area s of significant indigenous vegetation and significant hbi atats of indigenous fau na. ” This acknowledges the importance of native plants and animals. Furthermore, particular regard should be given to the intrinsic value of ecosystems and protection of the habitat of trout and salmon [sections 7(d) and 7(h) respectively]. Policy 1.1.2 of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement seeks to “... protect areas of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna in that environment by: a) avoiding any actual or potential adverse effects of activities on ... (i) areas and habitats important to the continued survival of any indigenous species; and (ii) areas containing nationally vulnerable species or nationally out- standing examples of indigenous community types ... .” A number of other criteria for the protection of indigenous vegetation and the habitats of indigenous fauna are incorporated into the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement. These are reflected in the policies of this chapter of the Plan. The physical character of the Marlborough Sounds, particularly its steep topography and huge length of coastline, has created a great diversity of landforms and habitats, both coastal and terrestrial. This is then reflected in the variety of ecological communities and species present in the Sounds, including many that are unique. Generally, the land in the Sounds planning area is steep. The only flat land is located at the head of some bays and in the valley bottoms of the Pelorus, Rai and Kaituna River systems. Important coastal or marine habitats include extensive mud substrate, particularly in the inner Sounds. Towards the outer Sounds and through much of Queen Charlotte Sound, coarse sand, shell and bedrock offer a habitat to a more diverse and complex marine community. Occasional isolated reefs or outcrops are highly productive habitats featuring a high diversity of plants and animals. Tidal wetlands occur at the heads of the larger Sounds. A large variety of indigenous species occupy these habitats and a number are rare or uncommon for various reasons. Some of the more well known include the horse mussel, brachiopods, tubeworms, elephant fish, blue cod, dolphins and whales, and a variety of birdlife. On land the indigenous vegetation (mainly beech forest) is very important in its own right, because it contains a number of endemic and/or rare plants and animals, and generally as it provides a habitat for important indigenous fauna. 4 1