17. Farewell Spit region
Map ID Number: 17
Location: Northwest corner of the South Island including the Karamea Estuary and Parapara Inlet.
Approximate area: 1,372km2
Description of area:
The Farewell Spit Region is influenced by nutrient-rich cold water upwellings off Kahurangi Point. The area has a highly productive shallow-water soft-bottom habitat that yields food for migratory birds.
Biological attributes:
Extensive areas of sand and mud, including extensive areas of seagrass habitat characterise the Farewell Spit Region. The area is a Ramsar site, which is a wetland of international significance. For example, it is internationally important for migratory birds.
Criteria applied:
Dependency for other species; representation (of a physical type), seasonal/migratory importance; aggregations.
Status and management:
The area is a Ramsar site, which is a wetland of international significance.
State of information:
Not recorded during the workshop.
References and further reading:
Cuddihy (1992), Foster and Battaerd (1985), Nelson et al. (1992).