Exploring Tidepools: How the Tidepool Ambassadors Program Inspires Ocean Conservation
Words and Photos by Sam Campbell
My journey with tidepools began when I started my internship with WILDCOAST in 2021. As part of the Tidepool Ambassadors program, I learned about the intricate, vibrant ecosystems within these pools and the importance of protecting them. I was introduced to our local tidepools, right below my UCSD college campus, and the critters that inhabited them. What started as just another part of my internship quickly blossomed into a passion. I began visiting tidepools regularly, both for work and for the joy of exploring them. Now, whenever friends or family visit, I can’t wait to show them my favorite tidepools and share with them the magic these unique habitats hold.
The Tidepool Ambassadors program is an outreach initiative by WILDCOAST designed to educate visitors on responsible tidepooling practices and the importance of conserving intertidal ecosystems. By setting up informational stations and signs at popular tide-pooling locations, the program encourages visitors to explore tidepools in a way that preserves their beauty and biodiversity.
Each visit to the tidepools feels like stepping into another world. The pools reveal a rich diversity of life: sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea stars, and so much more, all thriving in these delicate, often overlooked habitats. Over time, I’ve come to know certain pools within our tidepooling area quite well, even finding a favorite one that has become particularly special. Recently, a small octopus made a home in that pool, adding to its charm and reminding me of how dynamic and full of surprises these ecosystems are.
The Tidepool Ambassadors program focuses on educating the public about respectful and responsible ways to explore tidepools. We aim to share tidepooling etiquette with visitors—guiding them to avoid trampling on rocks, leaving marine life undisturbed, and refraining from taking anything from these areas. Seeing people gain a new appreciation for tidepools, knowing they’ll explore them with care, is incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing how much a little guidance can change behavior, helping protect these ecosystems for generations to come.
Over time, my role at WILDCOAST evolved, and I now co-lead the Tidepool Ambassadors program. With this new responsibility, I’m working on ways to make the program even more impactful for the future. From developing fresh educational materials to expanding our social media reach, our goal is to deepen people’s understanding and appreciation for these fragile ecosystems. One of my proudest achievements was creating a documentary called Tidepool Ambassadors. The film highlights the importance of the Tidepool Ambassadors program and features interviews with marine biologists and conservation leaders, who offer insight into the vital role of these ecosystems. Created as a part of my senior thesis project at UCSD, my goal is for the documentary to serve as an educational tool and inspire viewers to become stewards of the ocean.
Looking back, discovering tidepools through this program has shaped both my personal and professional life. Whether I’m working or just visiting, I cherish the time I spend at the pools, especially my favorite one with its resident octopus. Tidepools may be small, but they hold a vast world of life and wonder and offer an easily accessible glimpse into the broader ocean ecosystem. Through the Tidepool Ambassadors program, I’ve found a purpose in helping protect these incredible ecosystems, and I’m excited to keep sharing their beauty with others.
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