{"id":8550,"date":"2025-04-09T16:28:52","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T14:28:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/?p=8550"},"modified":"2025-05-15T14:52:41","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T12:52:41","slug":"why-you-should-not-touch-or-remove-starfish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/why-you-should-not-touch-or-remove-starfish\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Should Not Touch or Remove Starfish from the Water"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>There are many animals that can capture your attention underwater, even while strolling along the shore or exploring the rock pools formed by the tide. Humans\u2014a curious species that loves to touch, examine, and experience the world primarily through their eyes\u2014often don\u2019t realize that their curiosity can have consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we have the privilege of observing this hidden world, we must show respect for all the living beings we encounter, whether while walking or swimming. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to view marine creatures with grateful eyes, appreciating the opportunity to witness them in their natural habitat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-starfish\">Starfish<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-senff-sticky-block\" data-topspace=\"60\" data-cfa=\"true\" data-minwidth=\"600\" data-maxwidth=\"99999\" data-pushup=\"#final-footer\" data-zindex=\"1\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-testing-our-senses\">Testing Our Senses<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-looking-for-the-star-photo\">Looking for the \u201cStar\u201d Photo<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-don-t-do-what-you-wouldn-t-want-done-to-you\">Don\u2019t Do What You Wouldn\u2019t Want Done to You<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-it-s-one-of-the-most-famous-marine-animals\">It\u2019s one of the Most Famous Marine Animals<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-leave-them-in-the-water-air-isn-t-their-element\">Leave Them in the Water: Air Isn\u2019t Their Element <\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-his-whole-body-is-packed-with-senses\">His Whole Body is Packed with Senses!<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-how-do-starfish-move\">How Do Starfish Move?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-you-can-transmit-diseases\">You Can Transmit Diseases<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-they-regenerate-yes-but-that-s-no-excuse\">They Regenerate, Yes, but That\u2019s No Excuse<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-incubating-or-spawning\">Incubating or Spawning<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-inspire-others-to-respect-life\">Inspire Others to Respect Life<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-remember\">Remember<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-testing-our-senses\">Testing Our Senses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We are visitors in a world concealed from our usual senses, and it demands a curious mind to fully observe and appreciate nature\u2019s marvels. <strong>I understand that there\u2019s often a strong urge to touch that creature to satisfy our curiosity, to feel whether it\u2019s slimy, hard, rough, or soft\u2026 We like to know what we have in front of us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail wp-image-1014317\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/estrellademar-mariamarcos_marflores3.jpg\" alt=\"During a trip to Indonesia, I met a sailor who worked on the boat we sailed through the Flores Sea. He insisted on collecting various marine life to show us and to take photos. I refused and explained to him why he should stop.\" class=\"wp-image-10692\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/estrellademar-mariamarcos_marflores3.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/estrellademar-mariamarcos_marflores3-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">During a trip to Indonesia, I met a sailor who worked on the boat we sailed through the Flores Sea. He insisted on collecting various marine life to show us and to take photos. I refused and explained to him why he should stop.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In today\u2019s world, our natural curiosity has often been replaced by a desire to showcase experiences on social media. <strong>This trend, especially in recent years where seeing a photo can be an inspiration for others<\/strong>, has led people to imitate what they see online, often adopting behaviors that are not respectful of the life around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-looking-for-the-star-photo\">Looking for the \u201cStar\u201d Photo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This phenomenon has turned certain species\u2014<strong>those that are relatively easy to access and pose little threat to humans\u2014into popular attractions. These creatures are not just exposed to our physical presence but are also subjected to the focus of countless cameras.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-1014500 size-medium\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"933\" height=\"1400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/ESTRELLAS-DE-MAR-03.jpg\" alt=\"Beauty Can Be Their Downfall\" class=\"wp-image-10689\" style=\"width:auto;height:700px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/ESTRELLAS-DE-MAR-03.jpg 933w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/ESTRELLAS-DE-MAR-03-467x700.jpg 467w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 933px) 100vw, 933px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Beauty Can Be Their Downfall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>There are many great examples, but today I&#8217;m going to focus on the well-known <strong>starfish<\/strong>, which are commonly found along the Spanish coast.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail wp-image-1014318\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/estrellademar-mariamarcosv_peque.jpg\" alt=\"Starfish come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny to impressively large, with a dazzling variety of colors and textures. Spain itself is home to an incredible diversity of starfish species.\" class=\"wp-image-10696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/estrellademar-mariamarcosv_peque.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/estrellademar-mariamarcosv_peque-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Starfish come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny to impressively large, with a dazzling variety of colors and textures. Spain itself is home to an incredible diversity of starfish species.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Their slow movement, firm structure, and harmless nature\u2014despite their spiny appearance\u2014have made them easy and appealing targets for handling.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, their vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and the striking size of some species make them perfect candidates for that coveted \u201cstar\u201d photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-don-t-do-what-you-wouldn-t-want-done-to-you\">Don\u2019t Do What You Wouldn\u2019t Want Done to You<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about it. Just as you wouldn\u2019t appreciate a giant hand descending from space to touch, move, flip you over, and shove you out of place, even if it lasted just a few seconds, starfish don\u2019t enjoy it either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This becomes even worse in popular tourist destinations, where the sheer number of people seeking the same photo can be overwhelming. These creatures aren\u2019t just dealing with your hands but also with those of the hundreds who come after you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Although starfish don\u2019t have faces to express discomfort or sadness, they are living beings with nerve endings and all the essential functions of any animal.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-it-s-one-of-the-most-famous-marine-animals\">It\u2019s one of the Most Famous Marine Animals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While starfish are iconic, many people don\u2019t know how fascinating these headless, eyeless, and heartless creatures truly are<strong>. They stand out in the animal kingdom for their pentaradial symmetry and their unique water vascular system\u2014a network of internal channels that helps them move, cling to surfaces, and breathe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Asteroids, as they are scientifically called, are recognizable by their flattened bodies, featuring a central disc from which five arms extend, though some species can have even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Starfish are covered by calcareous ossicles, which form a type of shield-like armor. This outer layer can be smooth, soft, spiny, or granular. The group\u2019s scientific name, Echinodermata, means \u201c<strong>spiny skin<\/strong>\u201d in Latin, reflecting this feature.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail wp-image-1014321\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/tioman-mariamarcosv_estrella.jpg\" alt=\"The crown-of-thorns starfish is a well-known example of their defense mechanisms. Its body is covered in spines that deter predators, and contact with these spines can cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting in humans.\" class=\"wp-image-10695\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/tioman-mariamarcosv_estrella.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/tioman-mariamarcosv_estrella-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The crown-of-thorns starfish is a well-known example of their defense mechanisms. Its body is covered in spines that deter predators, and contact with these spines can cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting in humans.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Starfish inhabit every ocean on the planet and thrive at varying depths\u2014from the intertidal zones, where they are most vulnerable to human interference, to the deepest parts of the ocean.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although their daily lives may seem disconnected from ours, their roles in marine ecology and biology are essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-leave-them-in-the-water-air-isn-t-their-element\">Leave Them in the Water: Air Isn\u2019t Their Element<strong><b> <\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Starfish breathe in an entirely different way than humans. They absorb oxygen through their entire bodies and their tube feet, which also help them move<strong>. On the surface of their bodies, they have papules, or dermal gills, that allow them to take in dissolved oxygen from the water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail wp-image-1014501\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/ESTRELLAS-DE-MAR-02.jpg\" alt=\"Have you noticed how they move?\" class=\"wp-image-10690\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/ESTRELLAS-DE-MAR-02.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/ESTRELLAS-DE-MAR-02-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Have you noticed how they move?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As they move, they distribute oxygen throughout their bodies. <strong>This delicate process highlights why it\u2019s crucial to leave them in their aquatic environment and avoid handling them. Taking them out of the water can cause significant stress and disrupt their natural functions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While some starfish may be resilient and able to endure handling, others may be more fragile. Continuous human interaction\u2014especially when they\u2019re touched by many people\u2014can overwhelm their regulatory systems, causing them shock and potentially harming their bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-his-whole-body-is-packed-with-senses\">His Whole Body is Packed with Senses!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We often like to compare the living organisms we encounter with one another. That\u2019s why it surprises us to learn that starfish lack a central brain. Instead, their \u201cbrain\u201d is distributed throughout their body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>They possess a highly complex nervous system, which coordinates an intricate network of nerves located just beneath their skin. These nerves are essential for managing their sense of balance and navigation, making starfish extremely sensitive to touch.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail wp-image-1014320\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/estrellademar-mariamarcosv_roja.jpg\" alt=\"They are truly unique animals, with their pentaradial symmetry, no head, no eyes, many arms, and countless sensory receptors spread across their entire body.\" class=\"wp-image-10693\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/estrellademar-mariamarcosv_roja.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/estrellademar-mariamarcosv_roja-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">They are truly unique animals, with their pentaradial symmetry, no head, no eyes, many arms, and countless sensory receptors spread across their entire body.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Starfish are also sensitive to light, thanks to a kind of ocelli located at the tips of their arms. In essence, their \u201ceyes\u201d are at the ends of each arm. Some species even have individual photoreceptor cells distributed across their bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>They can sense temperature, orientation, and the condition of the surrounding waters, all of which serve as external stimuli.<\/strong> Another fascinating feature is their tube feet, located along their arms, which <strong>allow them to detect chemical substances<\/strong>. <strong>This ability functions as their sense of smell, helping them locate food.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-starfish-move\">How Do Starfish Move?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a very interesting question, as they have a unique movement system. They use <strong>translucent feet that end in a kind of blister. When filled with water, these blisters make contact with the substrate and move like a 4&#215;4 traction system. They secrete adhesive chemicals that allow them to hold on, and other chemicals that help them detach.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail wp-image-1014327\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/estrellademar-mariamarcosv_roja3.jpg\" alt=\"They move over the substrate using these transparent feet. Starfish sliding over coral.\" class=\"wp-image-10694\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/estrellademar-mariamarcosv_roja3.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/estrellademar-mariamarcosv_roja3-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">They move over the substrate using these transparent feet. Starfish sliding over coral.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>By removing them from the water, you put their entire internal system on alert. They will try to stay attached to their substrate, which causes them to produce more chemicals to adhere to the surface, leading to unnecessary energy expenditure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-can-transmit-diseases\">You Can Transmit Diseases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We consider ourselves a clean and tidy species, but unknowingly, <strong>a lot of bacteria and oils accumulate on our hands that can be harmful to other species. This often affects marine creatures, who find contact with us not only stressful but also potentially harmful.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If we add the chemicals found in sunscreen (discussed in the article <strong>Protecting Ourselves at the Expense of Marine Life<\/strong>), <strong>it becomes clear that our presence doesn&#8217;t benefit them at all.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail wp-image-1014369\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/estrellademar-chico-indonesia-mariamv.jpg\" alt=\"Our hands are full of bacteria and oils that can harm starfish.\" class=\"wp-image-10699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/estrellademar-chico-indonesia-mariamv.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/estrellademar-chico-indonesia-mariamv-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Our hands are full of bacteria and oils that can harm starfish.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, even when we handle them gently\u2014whether out of fear or concern\u2014we can accidentally harm them. When we remove them from their substrate, we pull them upwards. Often, we don&#8217;t control the force, which can cause them to break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-they-regenerate-yes-but-that-s-no-excuse\">They Regenerate, Yes, but That\u2019s No Excuse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s true that starfish can regenerate a severed arm. <strong>This remarkable ability is one of the evolutionary wonders of these creatures. However, this doesn\u2019t justify experimenting with them, as regeneration requires a significant amount of energy and effort.<\/strong> This energy expenditure can limit other vital functions, making it harder for them to survive. Additionally, during the regeneration process, they become highly vulnerable to infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regeneration times vary by species. For some, it takes months, while for others, it can take years. <strong>During this time, the severed arm relies on stored nutrients until a new mouth regenerates, allowing it to feed.<\/strong> However, some species cannot regenerate at all without a small portion of the central disk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Starfish can intentionally fragment their bodies to escape predators.<\/strong> This process involves rapid softening of connective tissue following a nerve signal, allowing them to detach part of their body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-incubating-or-spawning\">Incubating or Spawning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At first glance, you can\u2019t tell if a starfish is male or female. Some species are hermaphroditic, and certain starfish begin life as males but transform into females as they grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>I\u2019ll give you another reason why you shouldn\u2019t remove them from the water: some starfish incubate their eggs by shielding the clutch with their bodies. You can recognize this behavior by observing a raised central disk, often in a hunched posture.<\/strong> If you remove a starfish from its substrate during incubation, I think you can imagine what this means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When you see a large group of starfish gathered, they may be preparing to spawn.<\/strong> They often congregate and engage in behaviors like males climbing onto females. Using chemical signals, they synchronize the optimal time and conditions for reproduction, such as the correct tide length or time of day.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail wp-image-1014499\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/ESTRELLAS-DE-MAR-01.jpg\" alt=\"When you see a large group of starfish gathered, they may be preparing to spawn.\" class=\"wp-image-10691\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/ESTRELLAS-DE-MAR-01.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/ESTRELLAS-DE-MAR-01-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">When you see a large group of starfish gathered, they may be preparing to spawn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-inspire-others-to-respect-life\">Inspire Others to Respect Life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you encounter such an authentic living being, consider taking a photo from a respectful distance. Capture a composite image of the starfish and its natural seabed habitat. This way, you can immerse yourself in that moment with just a glance.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail wp-image-1014319\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"1050\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/lombok-mariamarcosv_estrella.jpg\" alt=\"In a coral reef in Indonesia, a beautiful photo of a starfish in its natural environment.\" class=\"wp-image-10697\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In a coral reef in Indonesia, a beautiful photo of a starfish in its natural environment.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>You can also ask someone to take a photo of you diving nearby, but avoid moving or lifting the starfish, and definitely do not remove it from the water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Each of us has the power to inspire others. Let\u2019s use that power to promote respect for life\u2014<\/strong><strong><em>all<\/em><\/strong><strong> forms of life.<\/strong> Supporting or \u201cliking\u201d photos of people who mishandle marine life encourages similar behaviors and can indirectly fund companies that exploit nature and bring tourists to these areas in harmful ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you happen to find starfish during a walk between the tides, try to encourage those who are with you to observe them and be curious about them, but always from a distance and with respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-remember\">Remember<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Save money with\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/heymondo-travel-insurance-discount\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3194\">Heymondo travel insurance<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are many animals that can capture your attention underwater, even while strolling along the shore or exploring the rock pools formed by the tide. Humans\u2014a curious species that loves to touch, examine, and experience the world primarily through their eyes\u2014often don\u2019t realize that their curiosity can have consequences. When we have the privilege of 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