Rocky Intertidal Coastal Habitats (Tide Pools)

Rocky intertidal zones, sometimes referred to as tide pools, are a diverse ecosystem. Organisms living in tide pools have to deal with naturally harsh conditions such as spending time out of water and dealing with strong wave action. In addition, tide pools are impacted by human activities, such overexploitation and trampling and are vulnerable to climate change.

Long term monitoring of these habitats helps us understand how tide pool plant and animal populations change over time and gives us information to help determine the condition of these ecosystems.