Numerous shell types, especially those of marine molluscs, are beautiful and valued by collectors. If you eat seafood, including commercially-harvested marine invertebrates, be sure to support sustainable fisheries. Many other countries also have regulations and restrictions on collection or harvesting of intertidal life. Furthermore, in California and many other states, no live molluscs may be collected without a valid fishing license. Intertidal species regulated by the California Department of Fish & Game include abalone, Kellet's whelks, spiny lobsters, mussels, octopuses, oysters, scallops, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, shrimps, and sculpins. In addition, animals and plants are protected in NOAA's (National Ocean & Atmospheric Administration) national marine sanctuaries and monuments. Collection of any animals or plants is prohibited in state or national parks or in regional reserves. In many regions of the United States harvesting or collection of tide pool animals and plants, for any kind of use, is regulated. Many intertidal animals, like the black abalone-prized for its shell and meat-are now scarce or absent in areas where they were once abundant.Īs human populations continue to increase along coastlines, more people have access to the intertidal zone, impacting many of the plants and animals that rely upon this habitat.

Humans, historically and currently, harvest animals and plants from the intertidal environment for food, bait, and, more recently, for home aquariums.

Tidal pool