Volume Three Appendix 3 M: The site is in the vicinity of other natural areas but only partially connected to them or at an appreciable distance. L: The site is very isolated from other natural areas. Sustainability 13. The site is significant if it is ecologically resilient, i.e. its natural ecological integrity and processes (functioning) are largely self-sustaining. H: The site can maintain its ecological integrity and processes with minimal human assistance. M: The site requires some but not much human assistance to maintain its ecological integrity and processes. L: The site requires much human assistance to maintain its ecological integrity and processes. Adjacent catchment modification in respect of significant sites within the co astal marine area 14. Catchments that drain large tracts of land can lead to high sediment loading into adjacent marine areas. A site in the coastal marine area is significant if the adjacent catchment is >400 ha and clad in relatively mature native vegetative cover resulting in a long term stable environment with markedly reduced sediment and contaminant run-off compared to developed or modified catchments. H: The site is dominated by an adjacent land catchment area with stable and relatively mature native vegetation (>400ha) that is legally protected. M: The site is dominated by an adjacent land catchment area with stable and relatively mature native vegetation (>400ha) with partial or no legal protection. L: The site is surrounded by an adjacent land catchment area (>400ha) that is farmed, highly modified or has limited relatively mature vegetative cover. App 3 - 3