Marine (MPA) Tidepool Compliance Initiative PROTECTING IMPORTANT COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS THAT SUPPORT A HEALTHY OCEAN

Photo by Andrea Robles

TIDEPOOLS ARE DIVERSE AND 'S IMPORTANT COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS. MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

The intertidal zone - the area between the low and high California is the first state in the nation tide lines at the coast - can be a very challenging place to establish a scientifically based to live. During high tide waves crash down repeatedly, network of marine protected areas, or while during low tide the creatures that cling to life in MPAs. These MPAs protect and restore the small pools of water left behind are exposed to ocean habitats and increase the health, direct sunlight, predators, and curious humans. productivity, and resilience of ocean ecosystems. They include some of the state’s most beloved coastal places, like the Farallon Photo by Benito Sanchez Rojo Islands, Point Lobos, Crystal Tidepools are dynamic ecosystems of interconnected Cove, and La Jolla. Many sand, rocks, algae, plants, and animals. They provide MPAs are located shelter and food for some of the most amazing alongside public beaches creatures with diverse adaptations such as sea and parks, creating anemones, sea stars, barnacles, crabs, shorebirds, and enhanced opportunities even octopus and lobster. Tidepools also serve as California's for learning and important nurseries for many ocean fish. 124 MPAs enjoyment.

HUMAN ACTIVITY IS WILDCOAST IS WORKING TO SAVE DAMAGING TIDEPOOLS. TIDEPOOLS AND YOU CAN HELP!

It is critical to respect intertidal ecosystems - beaches WILDCOAST conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and tidepools - and all of the organisms that live there. and addresses climate change through natural This is especially true for our marine protected areas solutions. In California, WILDCOAST helps to conserve (MPAs) - where removing tidepool organisms is illegal. 545,293 acres of marine protected areas, which include Visitors to tidepools can, intentionally or inadvertently, many diverse and popular tidepools. Tidepooling is a cause harm to these important ecosystems by great way to explore the outdoors and learn about trampling, turning over rocks, displacing both living and nature. To make sure these amazing ecosystems thrive nonliving resources, and collecting intertidal species or for years to come, use your good sense and follow the shells. Pollution, development, and climate change also “Good Tidepooler Rules” whenever you visit. threaten tidepools and the creatures that live there.

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Photo by Andrea Robles

IMPACT OF RECENT EVENTS ON WILDCOAST'S TIDEPOOL INITIATIVE TIDEPOOL ECOSYSTEMS

COVID-19 shutdowns have led many to the coast for recreation and access to the outdoors. Tidepools are highly impacted by this influx of visitors. Many visitors are unaware of tidepooling best practices. Some who visit tidepools are intentionally removing organisms for consumption. These consumptive practices are detrimental to the health of a fragile ecosystem. The collective actions of a few can have far reaching ecological consequences.

Photo by Carlos Callado

Tidepool Ambassadors Virtual tidepool field trips Help conserve our tidepools provide materials and are provided to local by following the educate the public on elementary school Good Tidepooler Rules. classrooms. "Good Tidepooler Rules".

Never remove animals, shells, or rocks.

Never pick up animals...observe them where they are.

Walk gently, taking care not to step on plants or animals. Photo by Octavio Aburto Human use of intertidal Key messaging and Good resources monitored by the Tidepooler Rules are Never turn over rocks. MPA Watch community communicated though science research program. media campaigns.

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