Visitors to intertidal zones are reminded to observe etiquette

- Outreach efforts will also be carried out during peak periods to remind public on importance of showing care for marine life at intertidal zones

The National Parks Board (NParks) would like to remind the public to observe certain etiquette when visiting intertidal zones. This comes ahead of the June school holidays when many families bring their children to visit intertidal zones especially during low tides which coincide with daylight hours on weekends or public holidays.

Desirable etiquette includes the following:

-        Refrain from touching or trampling on any wildlife so that they thrive in their natural habitats. While a few wildlife species can tolerate gentle touch, many are very sensitive to tactile disturbances.

-        Refrain from collecting wildlife as each animal has its own ecological function and contributes to the health of the intertidal habitats. They are also unlikely to survive for long when taken out of their natural habitat. People who are unfamiliar with marine wildlife species may also endanger their own safety as they cannot recognise stinging or venomous marine wildlife.

-        Wear covered shoes as there may be sharp rocks or creatures with spines in the intertidal zones.

Intertidal habitats are fragile and critical to the health of the marine ecosystem. Visitors can protect them by practising responsible etiquette when visiting these zones for recreation. This includes refraining from touching, collecting, or trampling on any wildlife so that they can continue to thrive in their natural habitats.

To this end, NParks staff and volunteers will step up efforts to educate the public on intertidal biodiversity and remind them to observe these etiquette at intertidal zones. Where necessary, access to selected beaches may be managed during peak periods to avoid overcrowding and reduce risk of the public trampling on marine creatures. We seek the understanding and support of the public in protecting our intertidal biodiversity so that more people are able to enjoy them.

NParks is committed to encouraging community stewardship of our natural habitats and biodiversity in our City in Nature. These new measures and engagement are part of NParks’ efforts to educate the public to take stewardship of our natural heritage by showing care for the sensitive marine wildlife in intertidal areas. Members of public interested to learn more about our marine life and their habitats can participate in the Intertidal Watch citizen science programme or visit our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/nparkssg), which features a wide range of free resources. These include webinars, virtual tours of our intertidal zones and education videos.

- End -