Warning: Don't Take Seashore Foraging Lightly on the Naqin Peninsula
Seashore Foraging Preparations
- Timing: Check the tide table. Typically, the first, second, third, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth days of the lunar calendar, as well as before and after low tide each day, are good times for seashore foraging. For example, on March 25, 2025, high tide is from 03:12-09:55 and 13:15-19:09, while low tide is from 09:55-13:15 and 19:09-23:59. The best time for seashore foraging is from 23:10 the day before to 03:10, followed by 09:20-13:20.
- Supplies: Bring tools like a small shovel, small rake, tongs, bucket, and gloves for digging and collecting seafood. Prepare sun protection such as sun-protective clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as well as rain gear in case of weather changes. You can also bring a geological hammer and magnifying glass to explore ancient fossils in rock crevices and observe mica crystals in sandstone.
Seashore Foraging Locations
- Naqin Peninsula Geological Ocean Park: This park has a wide beach and over 600 acres of unique natural rock formations. After low tide, you can find crabs, shellfish, and sea snails in the reef area.
- Weijiao Bay: This newly popular spot has a vast beach. After low tide, a large area of tidal flats is exposed, where you can dig for white clams and blue crabs, and enjoy the sunset over the sea.
- Xiatang Bay: Located near Langqin Bay, this is a less-crowded free beach suitable for seashore foraging. After low tide, you can dig for white clams on the beach and catch many blue crabs under the reefs.
Seashore Foraging Techniques
- Finding Shellfish: On the beach, if you see small holes or piles of sand, there may be clams, razor clams, or other shellfish underneath. Use a small shovel to dig gently.
- Catching Crabs: Crabs usually hide in crevices in the reefs or in burrows on the beach. Be careful when turning over rocks to avoid being pinched by their claws. Use tongs to quickly grab the crab by its back.
- Finding Sea Snails: Sea snails are usually attached to rocks or hidden in seaweed. Carefully observe the surface of the rocks and seaweed clusters. Once found, gently twist or dig them out.
Important Notes
- Safety First: Pay attention to the tide times to avoid being trapped by the rising tide. Be careful when walking on the reefs to prevent slipping and falling.
- Protect the Ecosystem: Do not over-harvest marine life to avoid damaging the marine ecological environment. It is recommended to release smaller, immature creatures.
- Check the Weather: Check the weather forecast in advance and avoid seashore foraging in bad weather, such as heavy rain, strong winds, or thunderstorms. Stop activities in such conditions.