The report provides an evaluation of the general characteristics of the Delaware Inlet and its contributing catchment and includes: 1. A compilation of background information relevant to the ecological condition of Delaware Inlet, 2. A digitised historical vegetation map of Delaware Inlet (1983), and 3. A preliminary ranking of the ecological status and values of Delaware Inlet - Decision Matrix. Range of depth: < 1.2 m neap tide to> 4.2 spring tide. Modifications to the Delaware Inlet and its contributing catchment include: Conversion of previously forested land for agriculture post-European settlement; potential enrichment effects from introduced nitrogen-fixing vegetation and addition of pasture fertiliser; conversion of large catchment areas to pine plantation and subsequent harvesting and effect on sediment; effect of the development of roading and flood control; adverse effects related to reduced water quality; the invasion and spread of the exotic bivalve Crassostrea gigas (Pacific oyster). Actions required include: broad-scale habitat mapping and fine-scale assessment of individual reference sites; use of standardised methods for comparison with other estuaries in the region and serve as a point-in-time baseline for future monitoring; need data describing water and shellfish faecal indicator concentrations in Delaware Inlet.