Why We Study Tides: Ships, Bridges and Better Fishing

Tides shape more of daily life than most people notice. Scientists measure when tides rise and fall, how high and how far — and that information keeps ships off the bottom, bridges on schedule and anglers in the right place at the right time.

Tide stations measure the tides so scientists can analyze the data, predict tides and publish tide tables. Credit: NOAA.

Safe navigation

Getting ships safely through shallow ports, intracoastal waterways and estuaries requires knowing when the tide will be high or low and how high, along with the speed and direction of tidal currents. The depth and width of channels, combined with growing marine traffic, leave very little room for error, so mariners need accurate data.

Engineering and restoration

Engineers track changing tide levels for harbor projects such as building bridges and docks. Where water levels swing widely over the tidal cycle, projects that involve building, demolishing or moving large structures must be scheduled well in advance. Habitat restoration projects need accurate knowledge of tides and currents too.

Fishing, boating and surfing

Tidal data matters for fishing, recreational boating and surfing. Commercial and recreational fishermen use what they know about tides and tidal currents to improve their catches: depending on the species and the depth of the water, fish may gather during the ebb or the flood.

Sources

Based on "Why do we study tides?" from NOAA's National Ocean Service, a work of the United States government in the public domain.