Between the rock wedged into the crevices, you may find small sea urchins, crabs and even a sea star. If you are quick you can pluck them up and you will see that they are tiny hermit crabs. Then you may see some tiny snail shells moving. First, you will most likely see the amphipods and isopods, (little animals that look like baby shrimp and swimming pill bugs) these are part of the plankton eaten by everything bigger.
With patience, you will notice things in the pool will begin to move. Many of the invertebrates will hide immediately when you reach in to touch the seaweed. Fold the seaweed back from the rocks and wait. Be careful of the seaweed and algae on the rocks as they are very slippery even if they look dry.įind a likely rocky area (directly across from the Oceanarium and Church Street is perfect) and follow the tide seaward as it goes out.įind the deepest pools between the seaweed. Then follow the tide line down as it recedes. Check the tide charts and plan to arrive at least an hour prior to low tide. If you are using this as a learning experience, I would suggest taking a guide that has the animals and plants that you are likely to see. First make sure everyone has sturdy shoes, some sneakers that can get wet with a non-skid sole, a bucket and maybe a dipnet and magnifying glass. Taking the family on a coastal adventure takes a little preparation. For the winter months, many fish and lobsters seek to maintain their body temperature by descending to deeper warmer water.ĭuring this transition time is my favorite time to tidepool. During the winter, the temperature of the water along the shore and in the intertidal zone decreases and sometimes freezes making this area uninhabitable to many of the invertebrates and fish.
Some animals, including lobsters, migrate offshore following the water temperature.
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