Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan The Marlborough Sounds are home to a great variety of indigenous fauna including some uncommon or rare native forest birds such as the kaka and the falcon. The freshwater resources in the Sounds also contribute to the important ecological or natural values of the Sounds. The Pelorus River system is a significant trout fishery as is the Kaituna River. While all other freshwater ecosystems are free of introduced fish, that, combined with the small size of the catchments and the accessibility to sea, means that the freshwater catchments of the Sounds are good freshwater habitat for a variety of native fish. The habitat of eel and whitebait is of special concern to iwi. A number of very significant ecological values are present within the Marlborough Sounds. The primary resource management issue in respect of these values, is the potential for adverse effects from the use of land and water on indigenous flora and fauna. 4.2 Issue Degradation of indigenous vegetation and the habitat of indigenous fauna (and trout and salmon) from the adverse effects of land and water use The effects of concern or the significant threats to indigenous vegetation and the habitat of indigenous fauna (and trout and salmon) include: • Degradation or destruction of areas of significant indigenous flora and fauna through logging, burning, grazing, land development and invasive plant and animal pests; • Degradation or destruction of the habitats of native fish, and trout and salmon, through the drainage of wetlands, pollution of waterbodies, removal of riparian vegetation and diversion and damming of water; • Degradation of coastal marine habitats arising from structures, works or activities occurring within the coastal marine area or contamination of water arising from the effects of land-based activities; and • The adverse effects of the interaction of people and the natural ecosystem (eg; through the pressures of domestic and international tourism). 4.3 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 The protection of significant indigenous flora and fauna (and trout and salmon) and their habitats from the adverse effects of use and development. Policy 1.1 Identify areas of significant ecological value which incorporate areas of indigenous vegetation and habitats of indigenous fauna. Policy 1.2 Avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of land and water use on areas of significant ecological value. Policy 1.3 Promote public understanding of the importance of protecting areas of significant ecological value from the adverse effects of activities because of their intrinsic, 4 2