Volume One 6. Natural Character Appendix 2 identifies the values that contribute to high and very high coastal natural character in each of the discrete natural character areas (reaching Levels 4 to 5 on the assessment scale). The values for areas with outstanding coastal natural character are also included within Appendix 2. [RPS] Policy 6.1.4 – Identify those areas of the coastal environment that have high, very high or outstanding natural character. Policy 13 of the NZCPS requires that areas of at least high natural character be mapped or otherwise identified. The Council considers that the most effective form of identification is mapping, as it provides certainty on the location and extent of those spatial areas. For this reason, the MEP identifies through mapping areas of the coastal environment that have high or very high natural character following an evaluation in accordance with Policy 6.1.3. Because of the gaps in knowledge of marine ecosystems, it is difficult to map an exact line where natural character shifts from high to very high. For this reason the maps show a ‘transition’ area between areas of high and very high natural character in marine areas. Policy 13(1)(a) of the NZCPS specifies requirements for areas of outstanding natural character. For the purposes of the MEP, those areas of the coastal environment that have very high natural character and which also exhibit a combination of natural elements, patterns and processes that are exceptional in their extent, intactness, integrity and lack of built structures (and other modifications) compared to other areas in Marlborough, are identified as having outstanding coastal natural character. These areas are also mapped in the MEP. The mapping of high, very high and outstanding natural character through this policy will enable appropriate management to be applied to relevant parts of the coastal environment to give effect to the NZCPS. [RPS] Policy 6.1.5 – Determine the degree of natural character in and adjacent to lakes and rivers by assessing the degree of human-induced modification to the following: (a) channel shape and bed morphology; (b) flow regime and water levels; (c) water quality; (d) presence of indigenous flora and fauna in the river channel; (e) absence of exotic flora and fauna; (f) absence of structures and other human modification in the river channel/lake; (g) vegetation cover in the riparian margin; (h) absence of structures and other human modification in the riparian margin; and (i) the experience of the above elements, patterns and processes including unmodified, scenic and wilderness qualities. The matters identified in (a) to (i) are those elements, patterns, processes and experiential qualities that contribute to the natural character of Marlborough’s lakes and rivers and their margins. The extent to which these have been modified by human activities will determine the degree of natural character. Where the matters in (a) to (i) have not been modified or have been only been slightly modified, then the natural character will be assessed as being very high. As the degree of human-induced modification of the river and its margins increases, the degree of natural character will reduce from high, through moderate, low and finally, very low (where the river environment has been heavily modified). 6 – 5