Seattle Tide Pools
How to Conduct a Low tide walk responsibly
You have picked your location and consulted the tide tables for timing. What else do you need for a successful low tide walk? Here are some things to consider when preparing to explore the beach during low tide.
1) Dress comfortably with footwear and clothing that can endure getting wet. There are many sharp protrusions in tide pools so it is wise to cover up. Don't forget sunscreen- look for ones that do not contain oxybenzone or oxtinoxate. These common components have been shown to harm marine wildlife (1).
2)Come prepared to identify your findings! The iNaturalist app analyzes photos to provide near instant identification with community support. A good photo guide is also handy as not all organisms can be easily photographed. It is wise to peruse an identification guide ahead of time to familiarize yourself with the varieties of organisms you may find. Some are well suited to being brought along while others are hefty manuals that can easily get damaged in water. Check out the Organisms portion of this website for current photos of tide pool organisms found in the Seattle area. If joining a naturalist led walk hosted by Seattle Aquarium you may be able to attain a free guide or simply just rely on naturalist knowledge.
3)Resist picking up living organisms and shells. Removal of shells can have a negative impact on the ecosystem as organisms rely on them for protection (4). Picking up a living organism can leave it vulnerable to predators and extreme conditions. If you do displace a living creature, attempt to return it to where it came from. While tide pool organisms are examples of adaptation in a wide variety of conditions, they have not adapted to the threats that humans pose to them (5).
4)Tread lightly. Many of the creatures that you encounter at low tide are hidden or disguised, making them easy to step up on crush. Look for bare rock to walk upon. Walk slowly and take your time. Be cautious as there are many slippery and slimy surfaces exposed at low tide.
5)Leave Fido at home. Dogs are not allowed on beaches in Seattle Parks. More importantly, dogs may harm wildlife and wildlife can hurt dogs! Dog poop contains exponentially more contaminating bacteria than animals that naturally occur at the beach (2). Even if you pack out the poop, dogs may cause harm by transmitting diseases to wildlife. The fine for bringing your dog to a Seattle beach can be up to 500$ (3). There are plenty of beaches outside the city that allow dogs!
Resources
Here are some examples of effective guides. Remember that most of these will be available at a Seattle public library to borrow for free:
Mac's Field Guide. Simple illustrated and waterproof guide you can bring along with you.
Fylling's Illustrated Guide to Pacific Coast Tide Pools. Beautifully drawn guide to tide pool flora and fauna.
“While beachcombing and collecting may have been one of your treasured childhood memories, the culture has changed as biologists have witnessed the effect of these actions on the intertidal marine environment. Please do not take home shells or animals; they are all integral components of the ecosystem.”
References
1) Rodriguez, K. Sunscreen and Effects of Oxybenzone. On J Complement & Alt Med. 1 (1): 2018. OJCAM. MS. ID, 504, 2.
2) Colford Jr, J. M., Wade, T. J., Schiff, K. C., Wright, C. C., Griffith, J. F., Sandhu, S. K., ... & Weisberg, S. B. (2007). Water quality indicators and the risk of illness at beaches with nonpoint sources of fecal contamination. Epidemiology, 18(1), 27-35.
3) Rules & Regulations - Parks | seattle.gov. (2018). Retrieved April 21, 2019, from Seattle.gov website: https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/rules-and-regulations#dogs
4) Kowalewski, M., Domènech, R., & Martinell, J. (2014). Vanishing clams on an Iberian beach: local consequences and global implications of accelerating loss of shells to tourism. PloS one, 9(1), e83615.
5) Uncover Tide Pool Treasures on Fidalgo Island (2018, August 14). Retrieved April 3, 2019, from Experience Anacortes website: https://anacortes.org/tide-pool-treasures/