The intertidal zone, between land and sea, is exposed during low tide and covered during high tide. Some of Vancouver’s intertidal zones are heavy industrial water engines, while others are natural habitats that supports a wide range of ecosystem.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Why are the Intertidal Zone important? 

• Reason 1: It provides protection against erosion and prevents storm waves from reaching coastal structures.

• Reason 2: It serves as the habitat for many organisms and is an important feeding ground for resident and migratory birds.

Environmental Problem: 

• Overarching Problem 1: Global Warming

  • rising sea levels

  • beach disappearance

• Overarching Problem 2: Land Overdevelopment

  • coastal population growth

  • land demand

  • infrastructure encroachment

• Overarching Problem 3: Pollution

  • industrialization

  • chemical spills

  • oil spills

  • garbage pollution

 

How do climate-change-induced problems impact me? 

• The intertidal zone's ecological value and habitat enrich Vancouverites' quality of life.

• Flooding threatens many lower-mainland coastal urban cities.

• Vancouver's popular beaches are at risk of loss and erosion.