Welcome to part five of our five part blog series (see part one, two, three and four) on the best ways to enjoy San Diego’s very own ASBS and Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve. La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores are both protected areas — the Cove and Shores are both classified as Areas of Special Biological Significance and La Jolla Shores is also a marine reserve known as the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve. These posts will show you how to enjoy these special places while not harming those that live there.
Hey, everybody! Here I am for the last of the posts in this series (insert your own dramatic music here) about the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve. This time to talk about snorkeling etiquette. Although this is a low impact activity, snorkelers – who flock to La Jolla Shores – can cause significant damage. In order to prevent this, we can follow snorkeling etiquette similar to the tidepooling. Be sure to take care of your safety by making sure you know the basics of snorkeling and are well prepared before you enter the water.
1. Check that your equipment is well adjusted before entering the water.
2. Check the water and weather conditions.
3. Always go with a friend – it is safer and so much more fun.
4. Use sun screen. Sunburns hurt.
5. Please don’t disturb sediment/sand. This can cause harm to defenseless sea creatures by burying them.
6. Be careful while swimming. The waves can throw you like a rag doll, pushing you against rocks and other people. Algae can block your visibility and impede your swimming. More info here.
7. It is very important to retain your energy and stay close to the shore, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.
8. Pay attention to your surroundings, as you may encounter other swimmers, boats, and even sea mammals.
9. Don’t forget to take your trash away. Be mindful of your gear and don’t forget it on the beach.
10. Wash all your equipment and let it dry for some time, before you visit other bodies of water. By doing so, you minimize the chances of carrying an invasive species with you.
You are key in preventing impact in a rich and beautiful environment like the tidepools. We can’t risk losing such an iconic, ecological, and economically important habitat – all the effort taken to protect the tidepools and other marine habitats will pay off in the end.
See you at the cove!
Written by Thais Fonseca Rech
