The Malibu Chapter is thrilled to announce the installation of a Tidepool sign at Point Dume Natural Preseve today. The purpose of the signs is to educate visitors all day every day, on how to be responsible "tidepoolers." Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the tidepools, but to step carefully, never turn over rocks, do not pick up the animals, and never take animals from the tidepools. The tidepooler rules are in both english and spanish.

In acknowledgement of the important role that beaches play as ecosystems, the Surfrider Foundation initiated the Beach is Alive campaign in 2002. (http://www.surfrider.org/makingwaves/makingwaves19-6/8-9.asp). As the U.S. embraces the new paradigm of 'ecosystem-based' management, the Surfrider Foundation believes that beaches (including Tidpools) must be treated as an integral link to marine and terrestrial systems. One of the main goals of the Beach is Alive project includes educating the public on the important ecological functions that beaches (and tidepools) provide.

Using the principles and goals of the Beach Is Alive campaign, the Malibu Chapter started a new Tidepool Protection Program in early 2005. The Chapter partnered with the Angeles Girl Scouts, and hosted six workshops that included a review of tides, discussion on ocean pollution, why tidepools are important, and a special guest marine biologist from Pepperdine or UCLA that guided the scouts through the tidepools and answered their questions.

This project was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the Brian and Gigi Grazer family, who requested educational signage and the development of a program that would help protect Malibu's tidepools.

The first tidepool sign was installed at Malibu Lagoon State Beach, and the third sign is expected to be installed at Leo Carillo State Beach before the end of 2006.

To read more about the Tidepool Protection Program: http://www.surfrider.org/malibu/tidepool_program.htm

Nancy Hastings
Southern CA Field Coordinator
Surfrider Foundation