Appendix 2 Volume Three Terrestrial Areas Marlborough Sounds Coastal Terrestrial Area 1: D’Urville General values and characteristics applicable to the whole of Coastal Terrestrial Area 1 This area is characterised by a unique combination of ultramafic dominated basement rock types. The sheltered coastal lagoons are regionally rare. Upland vegetation is largely intact. Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments D’Urville Island Very High Nationally important geological and Areas of pasture and with small landform features including Greville commercial forestry included parts High Harbour boulder spit; and serpentinitic within 'High' rating. breccias along parts of western coast. It contains regionally important landforms including: the Greville Harbour barrier dune system, and associated lagoon and swamp; French Pass partly submerged ridgeline and reef; and the D’Urville Island limestone outcrops. Island communities here are nationally important with distinctive biota, communities and habitats. Some communities, especially tussocklands, rocklands, shrublands and stunted forests are endemic to the ultramafic “mineral belt” and nationally important, with the coastal ultramafic communities, being unique in New Zealand. Also present are dune, spit, beach, lagoon, freshwater wetland, estuarine and alluvial communities, which are all very distinctive and rare in the Sounds. Overall, natural biodiversity of communities and species is exceptional. D’Urville Island is a refuge for nationally threatened fauna and flora. It is one of the largest areas that is free of possums and feral goats in New Zealand. D’Urville Island and its smaller islands hold extremely high experiential values, partially due to its semi- remoteness and dark, night-time skies, but equally due to its perceived lack of modification. App 2 - 8