Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the dual nature of "catching the tide" tourism, highlighting both its economic benefits and the ecological risks associated with unsustainable practices [1][2]. Group 1: Economic Impact - "Catching the tide" has evolved into a tourism project, integrating various business models such as "catching the tide + research" and "catching the tide + homestays," which have stimulated the cultural and tourism economy [1]. - The tourism model serves as a "low-cost breakthrough" for coastal areas, attracting visitors without significant investment, relying solely on natural resources [1]. Group 2: Ecological Concerns - Tourists using destructive tools like high-pressure water guns and rakes are damaging habitats of bottom-dwelling species, while activities in rocky areas harm coral and seaweed beds, undermining natural coastal defenses [1]. - The article emphasizes that such practices violate the principles of marine biodiversity protection and lead to ecological degradation [1]. Group 3: Solutions and Recommendations - A collaborative mechanism for protection, development, and sharing should be established, including zoning for "catching the tide" areas with designated protection and limited activity zones [2]. - The implementation of service standards, such as requiring travel agencies to provide ecological guides and promoting biodegradable tools, is recommended to achieve "no trace" catching [2]. - Engaging participants in ecological protection through incentive mechanisms, like "trash for souvenirs," and integrating fishermen into the tourism industry can create a positive cycle of ecological preservation and economic growth [2].

Core Viewpoint - The traditional practice of "catching the sea" has evolved into a popular tourist activity, leading to significant ecological challenges as tourists engage in destructive methods that threaten marine biodiversity [1][3][12]. Group 1: Tourism Development - The beach at Tangjiawan has become a social media hotspot, attracting over ten thousand visitors daily during the summer, transforming the traditional fishing activity into a leisure pursuit [3][8]. - The rise of "catching the sea" as a new cultural tourism model has stimulated local service industries, but it has also led to increased pressure on marine ecosystems [3][19]. Group 2: Ecological Impact - The seagrass bed at Tangjiawan, home to the endangered Halophila beccarii, has seen a drastic reduction in area, with only 10% of its original size remaining since the influx of tourists began in 2020 [8][7]. - Destructive practices by uninformed tourists, such as digging and using salt, have resulted in the removal of vital seagrass, which plays a crucial role in marine biodiversity and food chains [5][8]. Group 3: Conservation Efforts - Local authorities and researchers are advocating for the establishment of protected areas and have begun implementing educational campaigns to inform tourists about sustainable practices [10][19]. - Volunteer teams have been organized to guide tourists and set up warning signs to prevent harmful activities in sensitive ecological zones [10][18]. Group 4: Regulatory Challenges - Some commercial operators are engaging in illegal practices, such as "deep catching," which involves trapping marine life in nets, posing a severe threat to local ecosystems and endangered species like the Chinese horseshoe crab [12][14]. - The unregulated nature of tourism in areas like Beihai and Beigang Island has raised concerns about the sustainability of marine resources and the health of local ecosystems [14][16]. Group 5: Future Directions - Experts suggest that a balanced approach to "catching the sea" should be adopted, focusing on ecological sustainability while allowing for tourism development [19][21]. - The concept of "ecological catching" emphasizes the need for proper resource assessment and management to ensure that tourism does not compromise marine biodiversity [21].