Because the intertidal zone is easily accessible — you can get there every time the tide goes out — we have a great opportunity to carry out quadrat studies in order to learn more about the marine life around us.
What’s a quadrat study?
It’s a biological assessment that uses a grid system to collect data on how many creatures of different kinds are found at specific tide heights on the beach. If you repeat the study each year, at the same locations, you can monitor changes in the marine life. It’s a great way to learn about life on the shoreline and what’s changing.
Even if you only do it once, it’s a fun way to learn and spend some time at the beaches we love so much.