Winter Low Tides

 

 

What is hidden under the water during the hot summer sun is uncovered in the cooler winter months. The late fall and winter extreme low tides are an opportunity to observe part of our marine habitat without getting in the water. I can’t think of another place where so much wildlife can be easily observed in its natural habitat. All plants and animals in the tidepools throughout Laguna Beach are protected.

 

 

 

To protect this fragile habitat it’s important to follow the Tidepool rules:
1. Never remove animals, shells or rocks from the tidepools.
2. Never pick up animals…..observe them where they are.
3. Walk gently, taking care not to step on plants or animals.
4. Never turn over rocks.

 

A great way to visit the tidepools is to go to Treasure Island at the Montage or to Heisler Park near Bird Rock where Laguna Ocean Foundation’s Tidepool Educators can answer your questions and help guide you to the amazing plants and animals there.

 

At the extreme low tides all the intertidal zones and the animals that live there are exposed from sea anemones in the upper zone to sea stars in the lower zones.

 

 

This year is turning out to be a good year for sea hares. We’ve been seeing a lot in the tidepools both big and tiny. The hermaphroditic sea hare lays millions of eggs in its short 1-2 year life span. If all these eggs hatched and lived to maturity, the tidepools would be 6 ft deep in sea hares!

 

 

Recent sightings have included moray eels and a rarely seen in the tidepools, bright yellow snail. Visit Laguna Bluebelt’s Facebook page

to view a short video of the moray eel poking its head out after sunset

 

 

 

We’ve had a lot of octopus sightings- a number of baby octopus and the largest two-spotted octopus that I’ve ever seen in the tidepools.

 

 

The large octopus is pretty active. He/she has been named Gollum because if you are not careful he will steal your “Precious” camera.
Visit

Laguna Bluebelt’s Facebook page

to view a short 8 sec. video of Gollum coming out of the water.

 

LIKE our page to stay updated on the Laguna Bluebelt and to enjoy more beautiful photos from above and below the water.

 

If you are inspired to help protect the tidepools you can become a docent through Laguna Ocean Foundation’s periodic docent trainings. The next docent training is January 4, 2012, for more info go to their website:

Laguna Ocean Foundation