What is a tide pool?

At low tide, water collects in hollows, cracks and depressions in coastal rock, forming tide pools. The organisms living in them, including sea anemones, starfish, crabs, snails, sea urchins, small fish and algae, must cope with dramatic changes in temperature, salinity and oxygen as the sun heats the water and waves splash in. Higher pools are exposed longer and harbour tougher species; lower pools stay submerged longer and support a wider variety of life. Tide pools are popular for educational outings and are important habitats, often protected by marine conservation laws.