What is the human impact on the intertidal zone?
1 Answer
Human interference often threatens the existence of intertidal flora and flora and is the most damaging.
Explanation:
The biggest drawbacks of human interference are trampling organisms, collecting samples and pollution .
Trampling
Several organisms living in the tide pools of the intertidal areas are crushed unawares by humans during explorations. Algal loss occurs as they get worn away. This results in loss of habitats and food source for other organisms thriving on them.
Collecting
Humans often harvest animals and plants from intertidal zones for food, bait and aquariums. Crabs, starfish and snails are collected as souvenirs and takeaways. More often than not their chances of survival outside the intertidal zone are very small but the damage caused to the ecosystem is irreversible.
Pollution
Discarded trash, oil spills and toxic chemical runoffs negatively impact tidal marine life. These are high in pesticides, fertilisers and herbicides and often go through the intertidal zone first and are at their highest concentration before they enter the ocean.
