The lowest tides in about a decade will grace British Columbia’s southern coast on Thursday, with a combination of natural factors creating the perfect situation to comb the beach for critters and treasure.
Low tide is expected to hit shortly after noon in Vancouver and shortly before noon in White Rock, a municipality south of Vancouver near the U.S. border. The lowest tides in Victoria are expected around 9:30 AM and 8:45 PM PT.
The tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon.
CBC meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe says these low tides are the result of three cycles that lined up perfectly.
First, spring tides are in effect right now – when the tides jump from extreme highs to extreme lows and align with the full moon
Second: the nighttime full moon is closest to Earth in 2022.
“It might not sound like much from an astronomical point of view, but the moon being so much closer will have so much extra pull on our tides,” Wagstaffe said.
The tides are the result of three cycles that lined up perfectly, explains CBC meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe: the onset of spring tides, the moon’s close proximity to the earth and the approaching lunar solstice. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Third, the peak of the Moon’s 18.6-year cycle, also known as Lunar Solstice, is fast approaching. The peak occurs in 2024-2025, but the observed effects persist for at least three years around this time.
“Fantastic chance to learn”
Low tide is a good time to go to the beach and look at the tidal creatures, ones that might not be seen otherwise.
Alison Wood, co-founder of the educational organization Ocean Ambassadors, says she was out with her summer camp kids to check out what the tides had to offer.
“That makes intertidal research really fun,” she said.
In particular, she and her crew have been able to spot starfish, hookworms and crabs.
“There are dozens to see.”
Now is the time for beachgoers to explore the intertidal zones as the tide will be lower than normal on the southern British Columbia coast on Thursday. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Jackie Hildering, a marine biologist from northern Vancouver Island, says it’s important to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about marine life.
But it’s just as important for beachgoers to help protect the creatures affected by the tide.
“There are stressors and especially life that’s exposed to low tides … they’re not designed to be able to deal with that in the same way as animals that can move around,” she told All Points West host Robin Burns .
Stressors include being out of water, heat and increased predation by birds, bears and other animals while the tide is out.
She reminds beachgoers not to touch animals, especially if they are unsure if the animal should be in the water.
“Often we tend to think, ‘I’m going to save this animal because it’s not in water,’ but for example, there are fish that are incredibly adapted to being able to have water hidden behind their gills, and you could be taking away a male fish that is guarding your eggs.”
People are photographed on the beach near Emergency Banks during low tide in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Wednesday. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
She adds that it’s important to be careful when you walk and reconsider taking shells and other treasures home.
“When you go to an area, it’s a privilege, it’s an opportunity, it’s a fantastic chance to learn and interact in a way that’s respectful.”
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