Life between sea and air
The intertidal zone is the transitional space between the sea and the land, characterised by the constant ebb and flow of waves and by alternating periods of submersion and exposure to air.
Despite these harsh conditions, this environment is home to a surprising number of organisms that have developed special adaptations to survive.
An extreme and ever-changing environment
In the Mediterranean, tides are relatively small, with fluctuations of up to around 20 cm, yet they still have a significant influence on this coastal strip.
In addition to tides, the marine dynamics, especially waves, can temporarily leave these zones without water, creating a very demanding environment for life.
Adaptations for surviving out of water
Intertidal invertebrates have adapted to these periods of desiccation and are capable of retaining water inside their bodies, which allows them to survive until they are covered by the sea once more.
Unlike invertebrates, fish are forced to move periodically with the ebb and flow of the waves to avoid being stranded out of the water.
