Tide Pool Tips

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Taking Care of Business

DISCOVER NORTHERN CALIFORNIA'S
TIDE POOL TIPS

WHO ISN'T FASCINATED BY THE
MINIATURE WORLD OF TIDE POOLS!

I get such a kick out of peering through the ululating coastal waters
of the splash zone to spot a starfish or sea urchin; barnacles, hermit crabs, sea anemones... The enticing little ecosystems of the coastline's tidal pools seem custom-made for us to explore!

If you're planning a visit to Northern California, you'll want to
compare hotel prices before you book. The best place to do that is HotelsCombined:

WHY THE NEED FOR CARE WHEN YOU EXPLORE A TIDAL POOL?

Tide Pool Aquarium;
(CC) ex.libris

Life in a tidal pool is harsh, and the plants and animals must be rugged and hardy to survive the constantly changing conditions of their environment.

Still, their requirements are such that
they can be easily harmed by our thoughtlessness and inattention.

The phrase, First, do no harm, is taught
to aspiring doctors in medical school so they will stop to think whether a proscribed treatment might do the patient more harm than good.

That same philosophy could well be applied to our tide pool tips! We're here to enjoy the tidal organisms, not to injure them.

So don't poke anemones with a sharp stick! Just joking - I know you'd never do that...

Here are a few simple tips to help guide us in enjoying without destroying these precious and fascinating creatures...

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TIDE POOL TIPS

Follow these simple guidelines to ensure that we First, do no harm:

If there are boardwalks, posted trails, or established paths, stay on them

If not, try to step on solid, bare rocks

Walk in a line, placing your feet where others have stepped to minimize the trampling effect

It's best to look at a plant or animal in situ, or in place than to pick it up

If you decide to pick up an animal to examine it briefly, keep your hands and the animal wet

Be sure to replace the animal exactly where you found it (inside the crevice, if that's where it came from)

If you pick up or move a stone or piece of driftwood to look underneath be careful not to crush anything, and replace it exactly as you found it

Do the same if you move seaweed or algae to look underneath - replace it over the animals for their continued protection

Here are some organisms which should not be picked up or removed because of the high potential for damaging them or their inability to re-attach themselves:

Limpits, snails, abalone, chitons, mussels
Sponges, sea squirts, anemones, sea urchins
Algae, seaweeds, and other attached plants

One of the best things we can do to help these amazing creatures is to model these behaviors whenever we are investigating a tide pool. By doing so, we will be quietly teaching others in the way that they learn best.

One last tip: If you're really anxious to get up close and personal
with tide pool critters, visit an aquarium! Most have Splash Zones where, with the help of docents who protect the animals, you can look closely and touch many of these fascinating living beasties.

Side Note: While you're exploring near the ocean's edge, watch out for your own safety as well! Many people have been swept away by sneaker waves while their attention was diverted! Check out these Beach Safety Tips to keep you and your family safe.

For more helpful hints and tips, click on any of the links below:

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