8. Indigenous Biodiversity Volume One (p) natural flows altered to such an extent that it affects the life supporting capacity of waterbodies; (q) a modification of the viability or value of indigenous vegetation and habitats of indigenous fauna as a result of the use or development of other land, freshwater or coastal resources; (r) a reduction in the value of the historical, cultural and spiritual association with significant indigenous biodiversity held by Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi; (s) a reduction in the value of the historical, cultural and spiritual association with significant indigenous biodiversity held by the wider community; and (t) the destruction of or significant reduction in educational, scientific, amenity, historical, cultural, landscape or natural character values. The policy identifies a range of adverse effects that may result from subdivision, use and development, and which may need to be avoided to protect indigenous biodiversity values. The effects can occur in terrestrial, freshwater or coastal environments or be specific to one environment. Therefore in determining whether these adverse effects may occur and potentially affect indigenous biodiversity values, a case-by-case assessment will be necessary. Depending on the environment within which the subdivision, use or development is to take place and the particular values associated with the site and degree of effect likely to result from the proposed activity, a determination can be made as to whether the effects should be avoided in terms of Policies 8.3.1 and 8.3.2 or can otherwise be remedied or mitigated. Policy 8.3.6 – Where taking or diversion of water from waterbodies is proposed, water levels and flows shall remain at levels that protect the natural functioning of those waterbodies. This policy sets an environmental bottom line to protect biodiversity values in waterbodies (including in streams that are spring fed) where the taking of water is proposed. Regard will be had to the policy in establishing environmental flow and level limits and when considering resource consent applications where no such regime has been established. This policy recognises that all waterbodies are important and that protecting the natural functioning of these environments will at least maintain biodiversity values. In some cases, prohibited activity rules have been applied to protect the values of waterbodies. Policy 8.3.7 – Within an identified ecologically significant marine site fishing activities using techniques that disturb the seabed must be avoided. Some fishing activities use techniques that result in disturbance of the seabed. Depending where this occurs, there is the potential for adverse effects on marine biodiversity. The policy seeks to specifically avoid the use of these techniques to ensure areas identified as having significant biodiversity value in the coastal marine area are protected. This will help to give effect to Policy 11 of the NZCPS. Policy 8.3.8 – With the exception of areas with significant indigenous biodiversity value, where indigenous biodiversity values will be adversely affected through land use or other activities, a biodiversity offset can be considered to mitigate residual adverse effects. Where a biodiversity offset is proposed, the following criteria will apply: (a) the offset will only compensate for residual adverse effects that cannot otherwise be avoided, remedied or mitigated; (b) the residual adverse effects on biodiversity are capable of being offset and will be fully compensated by the offset to ensure no net loss of biodiversity; (c) where the area to be offset is identified as a national priority for protection under Objective 8.1, the offset must deliver a net gain for biodiversity; (d) there is a strong likelihood that the offsets will be achieved in perpetuity; 8 – 12