San Diego’s stunning coastline offers a unique opportunity to explore a rich diversity of marine wildlife without even needing to get in the water. During extreme low tides or minus tides that occur in fall and early winter, the ocean recedes, revealing a series of rocky, shallow pools filled with an impressive variety of intertidal species. Minus tides provide beachgoers easy access to experience marine life up close – a glimpse into the hidden wonders of the ocean.
Our California Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) or underwater parks are home to San Diego’s best places to tidepool. On the reefs around Swami’s in Encinitas, La Jolla, and Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma, you will find a diversity of wild marine life such as sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea stars, lobsters, octopuses and so much more, all thriving in these delicate, yet often overlooked habitats.
Many sea creatures in the intertidal zone are specially adapted to survive the constant change of environment that occurs as tides come and go. However, these same conditions make tidepools particularly sensitive to human disturbance. Trampling, collecting, and other improper behaviors can disturb these fragile habitats and lead to long-term ecological harm.
While tidepools make it easy to connect with the ocean, they also require careful, respectful exploration to remain intact. That is why the ocean conservation group WILDCOAST, has established a Tidepool Ambassadors program, an outreach initiative dedicated to educating people on responsible tidepooling practices and the importance of conserving intertidal ecosystems.
By setting up informational stations and signage at popular locations, the program encourages people to explore tidepools in a way that preserves their beauty and biodiversity. WILDCOAST staff members share tidepooling etiquette, guiding visitors to tread lightly, leave marine life undisturbed, and refrain from taking any shells or animals from these areas.
By equipping visitors with knowledge and respect for tidepools, the program is helping ensure that everyone can enjoy these natural spaces without causing harm and that future generations can experience them too.
Programs such as the Tidepool Ambassadors remind us of the important role we all play in conserving these oceanic wonders. WILDCOAST and its ambassadors demonstrate that with education and responsible exploration, everyone can play a part in protecting Southern California’s coastal treasures.
WILDCOAST invites you to join us north of the Scripps Pier during the December and January minus tides to experience tidepools and meet the Tidepool Ambassadors working to protect them.
www.wildcoast.org
