Earth’s oceans rise and fall primarily due to the Moon’s gravity. The differential pull causes bulges on opposite sides of Earth. Spring and neap tides occur from alignment with the Sun. Coastal ecosystems evolved with lunar timing. Lunar gravity influences even minor currents. Tides also affect sediment transport and nutrient distribution.
This matters because ecosystems depend on tidal rhythms. Many species rely on tidal cycles for breeding and feeding. Human activities like shipping are timed with tides.
It also helped humans develop calendars and early science. Ancient civilizations tracked lunar cycles for agriculture.
Tides can vary by over 10 meters in some locations due to lunar influence.
NASA [nasa.gov]