San Diego's Hidden Ocean Treasures: Why We Must Protect Them

The coast of San Diego holds a secret world. In the tidepools of La Jolla’s Dike Rock, life thrives in a tough environment. Bright anemones and ochre sea stars cling to the rocks. They face constant change. One moment, waves crash over them. The next, they are exposed to air and sun. This narrow strip of coast is called the intertidal zone. It is a vital sanctuary. It offers a rare view of fascinating sea creatures. However, these places are easily damaged by people. King tides are happening soon. They are the most dramatic tidal swings of the year. They expose these small habitats more than ever. Other low tides will occur throughout January. They offer similar exposure. Unfortunately, extreme low tides make these intertidal worlds vulnerable. Careless walking, rock flipping, and illegal collection can permanently damage them. To protect these coastal nurseries, Wildcoast runs a program. It educates visitors on their importance. The animals in our tidepools are a priceless nursery for the entire ocean. The intertidal area is a safe spot for species like the garibaldi. They grow here before moving to kelp forests. If we lose these coastal homes, we hurt the ocean's health.California has a system of Marine Protected Areas. These areas protect ocean habitats for future generations. However, many visitors are unaware of these protections. Wildcoast is working to bridge this gap. They are mobilizing their Tidepool Ambassador Program. They will be stationed at vulnerable locations. They will engage the public and offer guidance. They will distribute Pocket Guides to help visitors identify common species. The most powerful tool for protecting these habitats is a simple code of conduct. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear. They should stick to bare rock. They should avoid stepping on algae or animals. They should take respectful photos. They should observe things where they are. They should never pick up or remove animals, shells, or rocks. They should never turn over rocks. This can harm fragile creatures. King tides also teach us about the future. They are not caused by climate change. However, they allow us to visualize permanent sea-level rise. This is expected in the coming decades. You can help capture these changes. Take and share photos of the shoreline during high tides. This creates a visual record. It helps us safeguard the future of our coast. Documenting king tides and acting as responsible stewards is vital. The king tides expose the beauty and fragility of our environment. It is up to us to ensure that what we see today thrives for all future generations.