The lowest tides in about a decade rocked the south coast of BC on Thursday, with a combination of natural factors that created the perfect situation to comb the beach in search of creatures and treasures.
The low tide arrived shortly after noon in Vancouver and shortly before noon in White Rock, a town in southern Vancouver, near the U.S. border. Victoria had a low tide around 9:30 am and another is expected at 20:45 pm PT.
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 have aligned perfectly.
First, spring tides, when the tides jump from highs to lows and line up with the full moon, are in effect today.
A full moon known as a ‘buck moon’ emerges behind a pier in White Rock, British Columbia, on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. The position of the moon has caused extremely low tides. (Ben Nelms / CBC)
Second: the full moon at night is the closest it will be to Earth in 2022.
“It may not sound like much in astronomical terms, but if the moon is much closer it will have extra strength for our tides,” Wagstaffe said.
A historic low tide photographed at Third Beach in Vancouver, BC, on July 13, 2022. (Gian Paolo Mendoza / CBC)
Third, the peak of the Moon’s 18.6-year cycle, also known as the lunar stoppage, is rapidly approaching. The peak occurs in 2024-2025, but the observable effects extend for at least three years around this period.
Historic low tides today in Vancouver. View from Spanish banks: pic.twitter.com/OjzfOuczHx
– @ gpsmendoza
“A great opportunity to learn”
Low tides are a good time to go to the beach and watch intertidal creatures, who otherwise would not be seen.
Alison Wood, co-founder of the Ocean Ambassadors educational organization, says she went out with her children to summer camp, checking out what the low tides offer.
“It makes exploring in the intertidal zone a lot of fun,” he said.
Low tides are the result of three perfectly aligned cycles, explains CBC meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe: the appearance of spring tides, the close distance of the Moon to Earth, and the approach of the stop. lunar. (Ben Nelms / CBC)
In particular, she and her crew have been able to spot starfish, squirrels and crabs.
“There are dozens to see.”
Jackie Hildering, a marine biologist in northern Vancouver Island, says it’s important to take this opportunity to learn about marine life.
The low tide this morning at Clover Point. pic.twitter.com/1lmKTVjG8n
– @NatashaZimmers
But it is equally important that beach fishermen help protect the creatures affected by the low tide.
“There are stressors and, most importantly, life that is exposed to the lowest tides … they’re not designed to be able to deal with that in the same way that animals can move,” he told Robyn Burns, presenter of All Points West.
Stressors include being out of the water, heat, and increased predation by birds, bears, and other animals while the tide is low.
It is reminding beachcombers not to touch animals, especially if they are unsure whether the animal should be in the water.
Super low tide today! pic.twitter.com/MFwy8OeWRQ
– @ JohannaWard
“We often tend to think,‘ I’ll save this animal because it’s not in the water, ’but for example, there are fish that are incredibly adapted to being able to have water behind their gills and maybe take a male fish that keeps them their eggs “.
Now is the time for beach fishermen to explore the intertidal areas, as on Thursday the tide will be lower than usual on the south coast of BC. (Ben Nelms / CBC)
He adds that it is important to be careful when walking and reconsider bringing shells and other treasures home.
“When you walk into an area, it’s a privilege, it’s an opportunity, it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn and interact in a respectful way.”