"The best evidence that you have been there
 is no evidence at all."

Intertidal creatures can protect themselves
from harsh natural environmental conditions.
However, human carelessness is often the cause
of irreversible damages to organisms.
The intertidal zone is made up of a
unique network of environmental systems
which take many years to fully develop.
When you enter the tidal zone, walk carefully because
you can offset the delicate balance
which may take many years to renew, in addition to
causing the death of many intertidal creatures.
Leave rocks in place and undisturbed. Turning over
rocks disrupts the lives of many organisms.
It will take years for the small ecosystems under the
rocks to return to their original conditions.
Strict laws have been set up to control the collection
of plants and animals.
In the past, people have collected large quantities
of organisms causing their numbers to dwindle,
and in some cases have caused complete extinction.
Collecting shells removes important nutrients and the
habitats that certain organisms depend on.
If you are harvesting for food,
please consult local Fish and Game departments
to find the sex, size, and number of organisms
that you can take.
You should also check to see
when the organisms are in season.
Please take only that which you can use to ensure
survival for future generations.