A survey was made of the local environment and flora and fauna of Delaware Inlet, Nelson, during February-April 1976. Extent of site = Delaware Inlet. Measured variables = Five textural surfaces (mud, sand, gravel, cobbles, and shell). Five principal types of macroscopic vegetation (Salicomia ausiralis, eelgrass Zostera muelleri, Sea lettuce Viva lactuca, Enteromorpha). The four dominant genera of molluscs (mud snails Amphibola crenata, cockles Chione stutchburyi, pipis Paphies australe, mussels Mytilus edulis) occupying distinct habitats. Water parameters (salinity, nitrogen). Depth range: 2 m (neap) to 4 m (Spring tide). Sampling protocol = mapping.