The impact of poor forestry logging practices, clear felling and silt following rains has been disastrous for the ecology of the inner bays, says Marlborough environmentalist and Sounds landowner Pete Watson. 

Despite numerous scientific reports warning of the threat, the wellbeing of the Idyllic Marlborough Sounds is declining under a smothering blanket of silt, he says. He is frustrated over the lack of action to combat the problem despite scientific over four decades.

“From as far back as the 1980s Marlborough district councillors have had over 15 reports put in front of them advising that forestry techniques and areas planted are having severe consequences for the environment, largely with silt laden run-off from commercial forestry clear felling,” Mr Watson says.

“I personally dived recorded, and filmed the poor state of the Mahau sound in 2018 showing how bad it was but gained little support. The bottom is lifeless.”

The Mahau Sound that in the early 1980s was a sandy bottom and commercially scallop fished is now in its entirety, filled in with mud and silt mainly coming from the Pelorus River catchment which enters the Pelorus Sound by Havelock. Virtually nothing lives on the very shallow silt-filled inlets of the Kaiuma Bay, Mahikipawa Bay and Mahau Sound near the Pelorus River’s mouth, he adds.

The Kenepuru Sound, another inlet of the Pelorus Sound has been photographed from space showing how discoloured the water is from silting year round.

“The Kenepuru and outer Pelorus Sounds once a haven of food, are now choked with mud and silt.”

He says over 15 scientific reports over the years and more recently a Stuff article entitled “Marlborough Sounds Forestry Blocks Fail Initial Check” is damning evidence of the lack of action by both central and more particularly the Marlborough District Council governments.

He considers it difficult to alert the public of the dire threat as from the surface most see and believe the Sounds to be pristine and well cared for - but underneath the surface the Sounds are becoming increasingly desolate and lifeless.

“Enough is enough. Stop hiding behind the statement 'we need more science’. Council has had over 15 scientific reports and continues to receive the science. Do something towards repairing the environmental and ecological destruction.”

“It will take generations to repair so start now and perhaps our grandchildren will see in person how once the Sounds was healthy,” he says.