At first glance, the beaches along the Salish Sea may seem desolate, except for the cacophony of gulls, but looking a little harder, you will discover that the beach is home to many creatures. Unless you are ready to don a snorkel and wetsuit, most of these beach dwellers are only visible to us during low tide.

photo by Kaylani Siplin

The animals we see when the tide goes out live in the intertidal zone. Organisms living here have special adaptations that allow them to survive both underwater and out in the air. Some animals have hard shells that seal closed, while others hide under rocks where it is cool and wet while the tide is out. The incoming tide brings relief to these animals, who can once again feed and move around under the water.

When we visit the beach, we are entering into a complex and delicate community. During low tide, creatures are most vulnerable. They are stressed by the natural conditions, and the added impact of humans can be detrimental.

Humans, even the smallest of us, are much larger than the organisms living in the intertidal zone. If a giant came traipsing down your street, lifting up houses to see what was inside, you would be afraid for your life. To the purple shore crabs that scatter when you approach, you are that giant. Being aware of our actions lets us learn and play at the beach while keeping the creatures that live there safe.

Whether you are visiting one of the Salish Sea’s more rare sandy beaches, skirting boulders and tidepools, or clambering over cobbles, you are a visitor to an expansive beach house community. Here are a few guidelines to help you respectfully meet the neighbors:

Tread Lightly — Every time you set your foot down, you are stepping on or near a living creature. Looking where you are walking will help you avoid stepping on a more sensitive beach dweller. If possible, step on bare sand or rocks. Even though barnacles have a hard exterior, they are easily crushed by our feet. If walking in the water, avoid eelgrass beds. The Salish Sea’s native eelgrass is a thriving nursery full of juvenile fish and crabs. Not only do you risk getting your toes pinched by a defensive red rock crab, but you can easily step on tender organisms.

Keep Calm — Whether you have discovered your first nudibranch or a crow is trying to steal your picnic, try to remain calm. The loud sounds and exaggerated motions we make from both excitement and fear can be harmful to the beach residents.

Put it Back Where You Found It — Although the rocks on the beach may just be rocks to us, these are condos, townhomes, and apartment complexes. The crabs, mollusks, and anemones have chosen their position on or under a rock carefully. While picking up a rock can let you uncover an amazing animal, be sure to put the rock back as it was before you came along. To protect yourself and the animals around you, consider picking up smaller rocks instead of rolling over large ones.

Keep Your Hands Wet — Animals in the intertidal zone have special ways of keeping their bodies wet even when the tide is out. Touching these animals with dry hands can be harmful to them. Dip your hands into the Salish Sea before touching beach animals to reduce your impact on them.

Use a Gentle Touch — Some intertidal organisms can be touched or held if done so gently. Some animals such as sponges, barnacles, and limpets are firmly attached to rocks; trying to remove these animals can be lethal for them. Creatures that are securely attached can be softly touched right where they are. You may be able to pick up other animals such as snails and sea stars if they are not holding on tight. When picking up an animal, be sure you have a gentle but secure hold on it. Instead of standing up all the way and waving your discovery around, remember these are living things; squat down and only raise the animal a few inches above the ground. If a crab scuttles off your hand, the fall’s impact will be less harmful if it is only a few inches from the ground. When you are done examining the animal, put it back just as you found it. Animals living on the beach don’t necessarily want to be picked up and may be defensive.

Only Take Pictures (and Trash!) — With many beautiful rocks and shells on the Salish Sea beaches, it can be very tempting to pop a couple in your pocket as a souvenir. Please resist the temptation. That empty heart cockle may be the refuge a crustacean needs to escape the beak of a passing black oystercatcher, and those discarded snail shells are the future home for a growing hermit crab. Even the smallest and most sparkly of rocks is a safe haven. Besides taking pictures, you are always welcome to take as much trash home (or to the nearest garbage can) as you like. Consider bringing a trash bag with you anytime you head to the beach. We like our neighborhoods to be litter-free, and so do those living on the beach.

If you happen to visit a beach during the spring or summer, you might see some folks in colored vests. These are volunteers with Seattle Aquarium’s Beach Naturalist program, Snohomish County’s Beach Watchers, Salish Sea Stewards, or another naturalist group. They can help you with animal ID and may also give you a few etiquette reminders if they are concerned for a beach dweller’s safety.

All around the Salish Sea, beaches are home to birds, mammals, invertebrates, and more. The beach is their home, not ours. It is our responsibility to be respectful of those beach residents. With a delicate hand and an open mind, you can discover some incredible living creatures.

photo by Kaylani Siplin

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Thanks so much for your interest and your support.