Tending to the Tidepools

NCLC’s tidepool ambassadors—led by TAP Coordinator Jolene Magee (second to right) and TAP Guide Jet Ideue (right)—spent more than 80 hours at Short Sand Beach, adjacent to Cape Falcon Marine Reserve, to share information and encourage proper tidepool etiquette with members of the public.

NCLC Marine Program Coordinator Angela Whitlock (left) leads a TAP volunteer training at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach in May 2023.

The tidepools at Cape Falcon Marine Reserve are home to a vast array of marine wildlife, including anemones.

Tidepool ambassadors focus on informing, educating, motivating, and inspiring beach visitors.

Ambassadors bring energy and excitement to tidepool outreach and education

The 2023 season of the Tidepool Ambassador Program (TAP) at Cape Falcon Marine Reserve took place from June to September, led by TAP Coordinator Jolene Magee and TAP Guide Jet Ideue. Nine volunteers also were pivotal ambassadors throughout the summer.

TAP—introduced in 2021 as a joint effort among a few of Oregon’s Marine Reserves—is all about education and connecting beach-goers with the marine environment and wildlife. TAP leaders and volunteers were at the beach a total of 25 shifts, representing more than 80 hours. They interacted with approximately 1,350 visitors at Short Sand Beach, adjacent to Cape Falcon Marine Reserve.

During their shifts, ambassadors tracked how many visitors they interacted with, along with the etiquette-issues they encountered and unique marine wildlife observations. Some of the issues included trampling; dogs being off leash; people harassing and collecting wildlife; and drone usage in the marine reserve. All of these can negatively affect the sensitive ecosystem and its vast array of marine life.

The tidepool ambassadors don’t have authority to enforce rules, as Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) manages Cape Falcon Marine Reserve and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) manages the ocean shore along the reserve. Instead, the ambassadors focus on informing, educating, motivating, and inspiring. Read More