Near-record low tides are attracting beachcombers to the shores of Puget Sound to poke into pools for exposed marine life.
The midday low tides this week also are a chance for dock owners to make repairs. Meanwhile, the Washington state ferry system warns that recreational vehicles and trailers may scrape on steep ramps at terminals. And unsuspecting kayakers could catch a thrill ride on the flood tides.
National Ocean Services said the low tides Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the result of an unusual alignment of the Earth, sun and moon. Stephen Gill, a scientist with the agency in Silver Springs, Md., said the minus 4.3-foot tide Wednesday approached the record of minus 5 feet recorded in 1916 in Seattle.
Gill said June is typically the month with the lowest tides on Puget Sound.
The aquatic animal curator at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, John Rupp, said beach visitors will see lots of starfish and maybe an octopus in a tide pool.
The aquarium in Tacoma is taking the opportunity of the low tide to perform maintenance on its sea water intake well, he said.
The community outreach coordinator at the Seattle Aquarium, Janice Mathisen, said volunteers will be at park beaches pointing out creatures such as the spotted aglaja that lays eggs on the beach the look like blobs of mucus, and the shaggy mouth nudibranch.
Beach visitors are reminded to step carefully and not move any animals.
“Leave them where they are. Touch them gently with a wet finger,” Mathisen said. And beware of the red octopus. It has a painful bite, she said.
Washington State Ferries said the low tides are a problem, especially for the Port Townsend-Keystone route. Some crossings may have to be canceled because of the low water at the narrow Keystone Harbor on Whidbey Island.
Other routes may face restrictions because of steep ramps at low tide that are difficult for some RVs and trailers.
People on Vashon and Maury islands are holding their third annual low tide festival Saturday with beach walks at Point Robinson Park.
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