Shorewalk Guidelines

SHORE WALK GUIDELINES

Sandy shores, often mistaken as barren landscapes of sand and shells to casual beachgoers, harbour a hidden world of astonishing complexity. In reality, these dynamic habitats host a multitude of species, each finely tuned to thrive amidst ever-shifting sands and the relentless forces of tides and waves. The composition of sand itself is a fascinating blend of abiotic elements like fragmented rocks, soil, and minerals, interwoven with biotic treasures like shells. Sand's formation is a testament to nature's artistry, as it emerges from the weathering of larger materials by the relentless influence of waves, wind, rain, and ice, transforming them into exquisite grains. The diversity of sand's hues, from pristine white to tawny, black, green, or even pink, mirrors its unique makeup, determined by compounds like quartz, calcium carbonate, or volcanic remnants. Remarkably, each beach is a vast tapestry woven from trillions of these tiny, individual grains – a testament to the breathtaking intricacies that nature weaves.

Abiotic: Non-living things.

Biotic: Living or once-living things.

Rocky Shores: These intertidal wonders are acclaimed as 'natural laboratories' that have unravelled a wealth of insights. Positioned at the juncture of sea and land, they create a vivid boundary, offering sharp gradients between marine and terrestrial realms with dramatic shifts in conditions. This dynamic environment enhances the visibility of species distribution and abundance. Here, most organisms are petite marvels, easily seen, thriving in high density, and largely immobile.

Despite their rugged appearance, rocky shores house vibrant wildlife. Navigating this habitat adheres to fundamental rules akin to any wildlife encounter. From steep cliffs to captivating rock pools, they offer a diverse range of habitats. In tropical isles, where land meets the sea, rocky terrain and coral bases craft unique habitats for specialized fauna.

Coastal regions here display distinct horizontal bands or 'vertical zonation,' each dominated by specific species. Inhabitants contend with daily and seasonal fluctuations in temperature, salinity, moisture, and relentless waves. Notable species encompass algae, lichens, sponges, sea anemones, marine worms, crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms, and select fish.

Regrettably, these resilient inhabitants and their intricate homes face growing threats from human activities and climate change.

"Muddy Coast: Amidst the plethora of coastlines adorned with an array of sediments, a select few emerge as 'muddy coasts.' These coastal regions boast sediment mixtures where the presence of clay particles, surpassing the 10% threshold, lends them an intriguing cohesive quality. In the realm of mud, a captivating concoction unfolds, comprising saltwater, sands, silt, clays, and organic matter.

The classification of coasts is often anchored in the particle size of their beach materials, and muddy coasts find their place within this descriptive category. Along the coastal canvas, a perpetual ballet of mud flocs ensues, encompassing erosion, tranquil settling, graceful deposition, gradual consolidation, and yet more erosion. In this intricate dance, mud particles, denser than water and inherently restless, are ceaselessly shuttled by the rhythmic embrace of breaking waves, orchestrating a cross-shore migration. Equilibrium, a fleeting concept in this dynamic realm, remains elusive. Consequently, the canvas of muddy coastlines seldom yields breaches, those natural fortifications that lend protection to these coastal wonders."

Show RESPECT FOR SEASHORE CREATURES

Tread carefully.
Leave creatures where you found them.
Leave attached seaweed in place.
Handle creatures with care - close to the ground with wet hands.
Carefully put sediment and rocks back to the same location you found them.
Limit your collection of empty shells as other creatures may use them as homes.

AVOID DISTURBING WILDLIFE

NEVER HANDLE creatures that you are not an expert on.
Do not step in or put your hand in places where they could be lying hidden or camouflaged.
Seashores have several small, harmless-looking creatures that can be very dangerous and even deadly to humans.
Not to pick up the creatures from their habitat for your social media pose.
Don’t collect creatures and attempt to keep them alive in captivity.
Note that a lot of biological specimen collection – dead or alive – requires legal permits. The repercussions of doing so without legal clearance can be very, very serious.
There are some animals, such as crabs and sea cucumbers, for example, that will literally dismember themselves if you pick them up.
Pick up any rubbish found.

BE CAREFUL AND KEEP SAFE

Check tide times to avoid being cut off by the rising tide.
Do not explore the seashore alone.
Watch for changing weather.
Look out for waves - never turn your back to the ocean.
Soft mud can be dangerous.
If you start to sink turn back.
Check signs for any local hazards.
Don't forget to carry water. Keep yourself hydrated.
Wear a cap to avoid sun strokes.