Low tide is expected to occur shortly after noon in Vancouver and shortly before noon in White Rock, a municipality south of Vancouver near the U.S. border. The lowest tides in Victoria are expected around 9:30am. and at 8:45 p.m. PT. The tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon. CBC meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe says these low tides are the result of three cycles that have lined up perfectly. First, spring tides—when the tides jump from extreme high to extreme low and align with the full moon—are currently in effect Second: the nighttime full moon is the closest it will be to Earth in 2022. “It might not sound like much in astronomical terms, but the moon being so much closer will have such a big pull on our tides,” Wagstaffe said. The low tides are the result of three perfectly aligned cycles, explains CBC meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe: the onset of spring tides, the moon’s close proximity to earth and the approaching lunar stasis. (Ben Nelms/CBC) Third, the peak of the Moon’s 18.6-year cycle, also known as the Lunar Stagnation, is fast approaching. The peak occurs in 2024-2025, but the observable effects extend for at least three years around this time.
“A fantastic learning opportunity”
Ebbing tides offer a good time to get out on the beach and look at intertidal creatures, ones that might not otherwise be seen. Alison Wood, co-founder of educational organization Ocean Ambassadors, says she’s been out with her kids at summer camp to check out what the tides have to offer. “It makes exploring the intertidal zone really fun,” he said. In particular, she and her crew were able to spot starfish, butterflies and crabs. “There are dozens to see.” Now is the time for beachcombers to explore the intertidal zones as tides will be lower than usual on BC’s South Coast on Thursday. (Ben Nelms/CBC) Jackie Hildering, a marine biologist on Vancouver’s North Island, says it’s important to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about marine life. But it’s just as important for beachcombers to help protect the creatures affected by the tide. “There are stressors and especially life that’s exposed to low tides … they’re not designed to be able to deal with it the same way as animals that can move around,” he told All Points West host Robyn Burns. Stressors include being out of the water, heat and increased predation by birds, bears and other animals while the tide is out. It reminds beachgoers not to touch animals, especially if they are unsure if the animal should be in the water. “Often we tend to think, ‘I’m going to save this animal because it’s not in the water,’ but for example, there are fish that are incredibly adapted to being able to have water hidden behind their gills, and maybe removing a male fish which guards its eggs”. People are pictured on the beach near Spanish Banks during low tide in Vancouver, BC, on Wednesday. (Ben Nelms/CBC) He adds that it’s important to be careful when walking and to reconsider taking shells and other treasures home. “When you go to a region, it’s a privilege, it’s an opportunity, it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn and interact in a way that we respect.”
