Chapter 4 - Indigenous Flora and Fauna conservation, social, economic, scientific and educational worth, and for their contribution to the natural character of the Sounds. Policy 1.4 Promote the establishment of reserves for the purpose of protecting land containing indigenous vegetation and the habitats of indigenous fauna. Policy 1.5 Support the establishment of marine reserves for the purpose of protecting marine habitats for scientific study and the benefit of the public. Policy 1.6 Ensure that particular regard is given to protecting trout and salmon habitat (including fish passage) and recreational values provided by the Rai, Pelorus, Wakamarina, Kaituna, Opouri, Tunakino, Ronga, Tinline Rivers and Waitohi Stream. Indigenous plants and animals are an integral part of the natural character of the Marlborough Sounds area. They are also important to the future wellbeing of the Marlborough Sounds. In addition to their intrinsic value, plants and animals are significant for cultural, economic, scientific and educational uses and biological diversity. Natural habitats which are appropriately identified and managed can help preserve rare, endangered, representative or characteristic species. Effective protection of areas of significant ecological value requires public support. It is important that the policies work towards ensuring that ecological values are both retained and appreciated by present and future generations. Marine reserves are valuable mechanisms for protecting important or representative marine habitat. The Marine Reserves Act 1971 (administered by the Department of Conservation) is a statutory mechanism that can offer a direct means of protecting significant marine areas. The Marine Reserves Act provides for the setting up and management of areas of sea and foreshore as marine reserve for the preservation of areas as natural habitat of marine life for scientific study and the benefit of the public. Marine reserves also protect the intrinsic values. Section 7(h) of the Act requires that the habitat of trout and salmon be considered. In the Marlborough Sounds planning area, trout have been established in the Pelorus River and its tributaries (including the Rai River), the Kaituna River and Waitohi Stream. Refer to Chapter 12: Open Space and Chapter 23: Subdivision and Development for further policies and methods relating to the management and acquisition of reserves. 4.4 Methods of Implementation Schedule/ Areas of significant ecological value have been identified Information in consultation with the Department of Conservation in database accordance with specific criteria identified in Department of Conservation Occasional Publication No. 16: ‘Ecologically Important Marine, Freshwater, Island and Mainland Areas 4 3