The Drama of Life in the Rock Pool

By observing the rock pool 'close up and personal', you'll  delve into a complex world.  On the surface all may be  calm, but in the depths of the pool the struggle for survival goes on 24/7.

The inhabitants of the rock pool must be extremely adaptable to a constantly changing environment.  Water temperature changes all the time depending on the amount of sunlight available, the amount of salt in the water (salinity) and oxygen levels fluctuate too.  There's competition for food. Then there’s the waves that crash in and out carrying some organisms out to sea but bringing in new potential food sources.

Despite all this turmoil, the rock pool community is full of a diverse number of hardy creatures such as molluscs, shrimps, sea anemones, whelks and the famous hermit crab, as well as fish, worms and starfish.

Then a huge seagull swoops down and gobbles the fish - well, so it goes on!  (It's a bit like that old nursery rhyme, "I know an old lady who swallowed a fly...")

Yes, behind closed doors, behind the net curtains of the suburban rock pool  there's all sorts going on! It's enough to give Quentin Tarantino plenty of inspiration.

Safety First!  

• You always have to be aware of the tides on the beach.  Looking into rock pools is so absorbing that it’s easy to forget about the tide - so keep an eye open and don’t get cut off!  You can buy a tide timetable at newsagents and local shops, the Tourist Information Centre -  or look on line.
• Don't go near the bottom of cliffs in case of falling rocks.
• Stay away from soft mud or quicksand.
• Only explore rock pools that you don't have to stretch out into the middle of with your arms.
• Don't stand in a rock pool
• Always wash your hands after you've finished in the rock pool.

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If you can spare the time, it's a good idea to go out well before low tide. This will ensure you have time to explore the beach thoroughly as it is becomes exposed, giving you plenty of time at low tide before the tide comes back in.

If you want to be really serious about it, you could go during the equinox, or during a new or full moon. That's when the tides are at their lowest.

• Proper tough footwear is essential. Waterproof walking boots, or wellington boots are good as well as special strong beach shoes.
• Sun cream
• Sun hat.

Nets? -  If you use a net, make sure you don't swish it around or poke creatures with it. Many environmentalists discourage using nets as they tend to disturb the rock pool ecosystem too much. Instead, gently reach down and lift out sea creatures with your hands.  Alternatively, use those little nets that hold dishwasher or washing machine tablets.  Wash them out thoroughly first.  They don't have any wire bits in and are gentle to use.

Clear Plastic Buckets/Boxes - Two or three clear buckets or tupperware boxes are great for seeing the creatures you have collected. Keep different species apart though in case they have a fight!  You can see the bottom of the creature through these tupperware items.  

Mask and Snorkel -  For the older child or adult, a really fun way to look deep into a rock pool is by using a mask and snorkel.  If the rock pool is deep this is a great way to get a good insight into life down there!  

Waterproof Camera - If you have a waterproof camera, you can get some great shots of the creatures in their natural habitat with minimum disturbance to their lives. A video feature would be good too!

Book - Don't forget a good book which will identify all the specimens you have captured. Once you have identified them, then it's time to return them to the rock pool.

Apart from following the safety tips mentioned above, here are just a few simple tips to make your seashore rock pool experience enjoyable.

• A good tip is not to cast your shadow over the pool because the animals will hide, thinking you are a dangerous predator.
• Be as quiet as you can.
• Have your plastic bucket/box ready with sea water to put your animals into.
• If you pull aside seaweed or rocks to have a look at creatures, do so very gently and once you have looked at the animals, put them back carefully.  

• Here's where you can find the Top Ten Rock Pool Sites in the UK. Click here
• A fascinating film about rock pool life  made in New Zealand by Ashwika Kapur, Centre for Science Communication, University of Otago. Click here.
• Lots of rock pool films made by the BBC Wildlife Dept.  In fact, explore this whole section as it has some great videos.  Click here

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Enjoy your day on the beach, and especially if you have the opportunity to explore those fascinating rock pools!