Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan contamination arises from disturbance to the foreshore or seabed. The water quality effects of this issue are included under Section 9.4: Alteration to the Foreshore and Seabed. Further, coastal marine water can be adversely affected by contaminants present in freshwater ecosystems draining into the coastal marine area. This issue is covered at source under Chapter 3 freshwater of the Plan. Finally, climate can exacerbate water quality. During periods of high rainfall water quality in the Sounds deteriorates through greater quantities of run-off and stormwater discharge. For example, rainfall over certain levels can cause pollution which results in the immediate closure of marine farm harvesting until water quality is improved to the level where shellfish can be safely consumed. 9.3.2 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 Management of the effects of activities so that water quality in the coastal marine area is at a level which enables the gathering or cultivating of shellfish for human consumption (Class SG). Policy 1.1 Avoid the discharge of contaminants into the coastal marine area where it will modify, damage or destroy any significant ecological value. Policy 1.2 Avoid the discharge of contaminants into the coastal marine area where it will adversely affect: a) Areas identified by iwi as being of special spiritual, cultural or historical significance; or b) Areas identified as outstanding landscape. Policy 1.3 No discharge, after reasonable mixing, (either by itself or in combination with other discharges) should limit the consumption of seafood from the coastal marine area. Policy 1.4 Recognise and provide for the need to: a) Preserve the natural character of the coastal environment; b) Protect public health; c) Protect the visual aesthetics of the area; d) Protect the olfactory aesthetics of the area; e) Protect sites of spiritual, historical or cultural significance to Maori identified in accordance with tikanga Maori, including waahi tapu, tauranga waka, maataitai and taonga raranga; f) Avoid , remedy or mitigate adverse effects on ecological systems including natural movement and productivity of biota, natural biodiversity and adverse effects on: • shellfish areas; • fish spawning and nursery areas; 9 - 10