#coral does not grow on turtle shells

[slushyseals]

All videos showing people removing barnacles from sea turtles are not rescue videos, they're animal abuse- even if the video is "real".

Please report these videos as abuse and stop letting these people profit off rescue videos

There are many videos where the "rescuer" is actually the one who attached the barnacles in the first place (some you can even see the hot glue underneath as they pull off the pieces). Unless you see the animal in a rescue center with a vet tech treating it, that animal is being abused. How so?

The reason those growths are there is likely something far more dangerous that needs to be addressed. Healthy turtles do not get this level of growth on their shells. So if you see something like this, it’s a sign that this turtle is unwell and has been sick for a while. Scraping off the growths doesn’t solve the underlying issue. Also, doing so without any tools or pain medication can be extremely painful and stressful for the turtle. Often with this level of growth, barnacles will have borrowed through the turtle’s shell into live tissue. And just ripping them off like this without the expertise of a medical professional can do more harm than good. Not to mention that it is WAY stressful and not what the turtle needs most. Imagine if you had a the stomach flu or food poisoning and someone decided to “help” you by first detangling your hair, popping pimples, and exfoliating you when what you really need is fluids and someone to handle you very gently. It’s focusing on the wrong problem first and can worsen the underlying condition.

If you see an animal "rescue" video, always think- how did they find this animal? (Is it likely they just found an animal- or did they put an animal in danger to play hero for clout and ad profits? How did this animal get into this terrible situation in the first place? (The number of giant snakes found wrapped around a dog is pretty unbelievable- usually it's a person abusing two animals they own.) How is this person running into so many animals in dangerous situations? (Especially when you look at their other videos and they reuse the same animals to "save".) I am outside daily and I don't come across anywhere near as many animals needing help like these content farm channels.

Even when videos are real, if they are not a trained rescue worker they are often doing more harm than good! The people kidnapping tortoises and "saving" them by throwing them out into lakes and rivers might have just killed that animal. Many tortoises are land animals and aren't built for swimming like sea turtles, they can easily drown! A surprising number of people don't understand seals need to rest on shore, and end up killing babies and harassing adults by chasing them into the water. Baby seals can't swim for long distances, and chasing them into the water means their mom won't be able to find the baby after she's done hunting fish- the baby will slowly starve to death if actual rescue workers do not intervene!

Heck, some people have found perfectly healthy and happy baby seals waiting for their moms on the beach, but because the person doesn't understand that the mom isn't there 100% of the time think the baby has been abandoned; a man kidnapped a pup when the rescue wouldn't send someone out to get the animal which not only hurt that pup whom he caused to be an orphan, but now that pup is taking up resources that could have been given to babies that actually needed it. Rescues don't have infinite resources and I don't want to put to words what can happen when they reach maximum capacity. (The guy was also very lucky he didn't get bit- seal bite infections are much worse than regular bites!) So many others people mistreat because they don't know better, like the baby seal that had people dumping water and ice on it like it was Free Willy. Or trying to feed them sandwiches. Both of these actions make life worse for the animal.

That video of a dog as a service animal rehabilitating a baby seal? That was made by a couple idiots who likely scared the mother off and caused the baby to starve to death just so they could make their intentionally misinformative video knowing full well they were lieing! Dogs should be leashed and kept far away from any seal as they are a reason many seals are horrifically mauled to death each year! Videos like this are absolutely vile as they misinform the public who own dogs and may see a seal on the beach and think, "Oh! My dog is a good boy and can go play with the water puppy! They enjoy that!" Please do not do this! Seals shouldn't be encouraged to associate with or like dogs, that puts puts in danger not only of cross contamination with things that can make them very sick, but you don't know the temperament of any and every dog that seal will see in its lifetime. All it takes is one- and there are plenty of dogs who act fine around human children and vicious around a random seal they find. The babies don't even have a chance against a full grown dog! Their ONLY chance is that situation never happens; keep your dog leashed, because it will see that seal and shoot off before you can stop it. As well behaved as your dog is on the best day, it has free will and at the end of the day is a dog and will be an animal.

Let's face it, most of us don't know the proper care of any and every wild animal we could run into and can only guess when faced with a genuinely unexpected situation. Any legitimate rescue video should start with the person contacting the local rescue to ask the experienced and knowledgeable staff what should be done if they themselves are not a trained rescuer. Often times the animal is perfectly fine, humans just see something they don't expect and misread what's going on causing a situation that didn't previously exist. Other times if there is an issue, the rescue will instruct the person what to do- which may be to keep an eye on the animal until trained rescuers can arrive. And lastly, please be aware of fake animal rescue channels and report any videos you see and inform others about this so these channels stop being praised and profiting from animal abuse.

[spacefinch]

Pokemon headcanons!

(these are about the Pokemon themselves!)

Oshawott/Dewott/Samurott

Samurott's helmet-like shell has nerves inside it, much like a sea turtle's shell. Most domesticated Samurott enjoy the sensation of being petted or brushed on the head.

They will also need a scratching post to rub their horn on, since it grows constantly. In the wild, Samurott sharpen their horns againt rocks or driftwood.

Males and females look similar, but females have smaller mustaches.

Most Oshawott and Dewott have a favorite rock, which they carry in a natural "pocket" under their arm. This rock is used as both a tool and a comfort item.

Fletchling/Fletchinder/Talonflame

Female Talonflame are significantly larger than males, but have a shorter crest. Both genders help take care of the young.

During the summer, members of the Fletchling line are extremely territorial, but they become more social during the winter. In especially cold areas, they will all huddle together to keep warm.

In the wild, Talonflames prey on smaller Pokemon such as Zubat, Pidove, Pidgey, and Spearow.

In some places, airports hire Trainers who own Talonflames to patrol the runways and landing fields, in order to scare off any smaller birds. This prevents both plane accidents and bird injuries.

Deerling/Sawsbuck

Sawsbuck changes its appearance with the seasons, but it's gradual. Not "poof different antlers."

Late fall is leaf-shedding season for Sawsbuck, since it's transitioning into its winter form. During this time, it's recommended that Trainers keep their Sawsbucks outdoors.

The flowers and leaves on Sawsbuck's antlers vary between regions and individuals. Cherry blossoms are the most common.

Tynamo/Eelektrik/Eelektross

The bioluminescent markings on Eelektross and Eelektrik's bodies are used for communicating with one another, startling predators, and luring prey.

Tynamo are also bioluminescent, and can synchronize their flash patterns. They live in large schools, much like sardines.

When Tynamo are ready to evolve into Eelektrik, they leave their school to live in coral reefs and kelp forests.

Eelektross are mostly deep-sea Pokemon, but will often come ashore at night to hunt for prey. It's thought that their arm-like fins developed for better mobility on land.

Other headcanons:

Krookodile are very protective of their young. The female incubates her eggs underground, and when the baby Sandiles hatch, she carries them wherever they need to go.

It is possible for Unfezant to be gynandromorphic, or exhibit both male and female traits. Since their pre-evolutions don't have any visible gender differences, you won't be able to tell if a Pidove or Tranquill has this condtion until it evolves.

Decidueye use their enormous wings to protect their young. Sometimes they also allow other small Pokemon to take shelter under their wings. In some instances. they have even been documented doing this with human children as well.

With most bird Pokemon, either the female alone raises the young or both parents contribute equally. However, with the Dodrio and Empoleon lines, it is the male who does most of the caring for the chicks.

[bump1nthen1ght]

Deep Blue Sea (Shark Merman x Reader) Chapter 3

Pairing: Gender Neutral!Reader/Shark Merman

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Soulmate AU

Warnings: Slight mention of scars

Word Count: 3122 words

Summary: You and Cruz go for a morning swim in the reef

*Cross-posted to ao3*

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

That Friday, you stay up late, not drinking or binging a new Netflix special, but fruitlessly trying to decide between your athletic shorts are your more revealing swim bottoms. In a stroke of genius the only ever occurs to a person late at night, you wear the shorts over your swimsuit, topped off with a swim shirt.

With your water-proof swim bag, you sit at the tidepool and furtively lather your legs in sunscreen, waiting for Cruz.

Cruz swims up to the edge of the tidepool, pulling himself up and over the rocks before motioning you over.

“Okay, the cool stuff is just less than half of a klick away, I’ll be carrying you on my back the whole way, but some of it’s underwater. Would you-” Cruz stammers, “Would you mind if I took you down with me, to see it?”

You feel that involuntary smile creep up on you.

“I would love that.”

--------

It’s an odd sensation, sitting on Cruz’s back. You had worried yourself and all your gear would be too heavy, but Cruz barely seems to notice the extra weight. You're placed on the bottom of his torso, right before it connects into tail, but you can still feel it’s movements as he swims through the water. It feels almost like a python, muscles pulling and contracting, his arms reaching out occasionally for a large stroke to gain a temporary boost of speed. He’s not moving so fast that the wind or splashes of water hit your skin, but you can still feel the waves pushing over your feet and thighs. The view is breathtaking and you have a nice time looking at Cruz’s ripped back as well.

When you see some small rock outcroppings by the shore that Cruz stops and raises his head out of the water, adjusting you on his back like one would carry someone in a piggyback ride. The tips of his claws brush against your thighs. You are for sure blushing.

“We’re here. Do you remember the signals?”

You nod, responding with the Okay hand signal.

Apparently Cruz had self-taught himself scuba-diving signals, although he initially had thought they were limited to human “ocean-spies” trying to steal precious fish from the pod (“That’s what the older kids in my pod told me! Stop laughing!”). You yourself were a certified scuba diver, and had gone many times with your mother during college.

With a nod and a hand motion, you two submerge, a bloom of color all around you.

Your arms lang loosely around Cruz’s shoulders, chest pressed against his backside and legs hiked up around his hips to give him maximum mobility. A particular bright hydrocoral catches your eye amidst the rainbow, your heart leaping at the sight. You point urgently in it's direction, unintentionally clenching your legs in excitement. Cruz’s chest rumbles with a giggle, bubbles popping  through his mouth and gills. He shrugs his shoulder to bring your body closer to it.

The purple stretches across the rocks in circular bunches, with the occasional starfish interspersed in between. With a good look, you can see the tiny spines and tiny perforations on it’s surfaces. You tap Cruz’s shoulder and throw your thumb up.

Once out of water and properly breathing, you fingers tap eagerly against Cruz’s shoulder blades.

“Cool, right?”

“Yeah! I’ve never seen that kind of hydrocoral up close before. I’ve heard the California corals were beautiful but wow, those were gorgeous. And that patch was so big, it must be- I don’t even know how old! They grow extremely slow, you see, and because of excess-”” Your eyes glance over your shaky fingers, fidgeting and dancing across Cruz’s as the words fall out of your mouth. You forcibly still them. You gulp. “They don’t have those where I’m from. Sorry, I talk too much.” You force out a giggle.

You peel your fingertips away from Cruz, picking at your fingernails as your neck tints red. The heat makes you pull your arms into yourself and away from Cruz’s slick skin. Your thighs lock tight around his waist to stay on.

“Does it have a name?”

“They just call it California Purple Hydrocoral, since it’s so localized. Nothing too fancy, even though it’s so unique.” Typically, to calm yourself down, you fiddle with your clothing or whatever you have your hand on. With Cruz’s body so close by, your first compulsion is to trace shape alongside his back, map the muscle and bone’s topography. But just the idea of such intimacy sends your head in a swirl.”

“What makes them so unique? Just where they live?” Cruz playfully scoffs, “Because I’ve lived in one area for years and you don’t see me getting any trophies.” You chuckle, Cruz arching his neck to smirk at you.

“Well not not only are they super old, but most corals lose their color when they die and California Purple Hydrocorals don’t. The pigment is so deeply embedded in their skeleton, it remains even after they’re gone.” You float your eyes downwards towards the sea, in the direction where you get merely a glimpse of the bright purple mass. “It’s kind of their legacy, hence the name. That color is so intrinsic to what they are, not even death or time could take it from them.”

The water is cool and the sun is hot, beating down at the exposed skin on your neck and back while your feet mindlessly kick back and forth. Cruz’s muscles shift as he  turns his head farther back towards you. Your eyes are lost at sea, caught in the coral possibilities. There’s an absentminded smile on your face. It brings one to his.

“You’re really fun to talk to, ____.”

You’re snapped back into reality, eyes yanked out of the water and back to Cruz’s own. The inky black stares back, serious and focused.

“Wow, thank you. That’s very sweet of you to say Cruz.”

You avert your eyes in a polite gesture, rubbing the back of your neck. Cruz keeps staring. You can feel it tingling across your cheeks.

“I mean it. You’re really smart.”

“Oh, well, I just study a lot-”

“And-and you shouldn’t have to apologize when you get, y’know, into it.”

Cruz looks away, jaw clenched. “Not to anybody. Not to me, especially not to me, because you’re so-so….” He struggles with his words, chin shaking with unreleased energy, “You love it so much and that’s-you should be able to talk about it whenever. Because it makes you happy and any assholes out there shouldn’t ruin that for you, and I-” His chest heaves as he stutters, blue flushing his skin, “I-I like it, when you’re happy, I mean.” Cruz’s breaths are short and quick, his cerulean blush painting the back of his neck and crawling up to his ears. “Does that make sense?”

Words escape you at this moment, like Cruz sucked up all the energy in the moment. In a good way, he’s pulled the rug out from under you. Your eyes wander, brain turning over his words.

But Cruz can’t hear your inner thoughts, he can only feel your still muscles and the lull in the conversation.

“I-Shit, I didn’t mean-”

Your body jerks back to life as you lean over Cruz’s shoulder with a quick motion, eyes squinting in the middle distance. Cruz jerks.

“Cruz, submerge real quick!”

“What?”

You jerk your thumb down and shakily put on your goggles and snorkel with one hand. “Quick! It’s going to notice us!”

Cruz, befuddled, tightens his grip on your thighs and submerges. His head swivels back and forth, looking for what has gotten you so fussy. You extend both of your arms, pointing about 10 feet away, to the side of a bunch of coral. You then close your hands horizontally, interlocking your fingers into your signal.

Turtle!

Besides the small rock is a large Leatherback Turtle, blissfully unaware of the two creatures not too far from it, taking a leisurely swim. Your right arm wraps around Cruz’s clavicle as you lean over to get a better look, enchanted by her beautiful shell. Amidst the reef, she looks like a dolled up grandma, wrinkled and taking an afternoon continental in the garden.

Cruz ducks behind another rock as she swims closer, trying not to scare the turtle away. Your arm tightens around his shoulder, eyes never tearing from her.

You don’t notice, but Cruz feels himself falling deeper when he looks at the wonder in your gaze. Never before has he ever felt so jealous of a turtle.

She cruises along, Cruz dodging just out of her sight but close enough to give you a good view, all while giving you a spare breath whenever you gesture. As she swims back towards the open ocean, Cruz takes you both up and out of the water.

You whip off your goggles and snorkel, taking a long breathe in.

“That was- wow, that was incredible.”

“She was so pretty I didn’t think about eating her for like, forty percent of that time.”

You smack Cruz on the shoulder, but it’s light, half-joking, and an unflattering snort leaves you. Cruz shoots you a toothful smirk.

A light sea breeze rolls over you two, abating the hot sun, although just a bit. The water has thoroughly sunk into your swimsuit bottoms, pulling down with extra weight on your lower half, but you’ve never felt lighter.

In the tranquility, you rest your front on Cruz’s back, head now tucked into the nook of  his shoulder. The smell of salt and a slight tang of fish immediately washes your nostrils. Cruz’s shoulders and deltoids stiffen for a millisecond and slowly relax in another.

“Hey, Cruz?” You whisper, almost mumble into his skin.

“Y-yeah?”

“Thanks.”

----------

Your muscles slightly ache from the long swim this morning, and  boardwalk food is the perfect level of unhealthy to abade it for a bit.

As you walk back to the tidepool, arms cluttered with overpriced boardwalk food, Cruz’s eyes light up. You struggle to sit down easily, but manage to crouch down to Cruz’s level, motoning for him to grab the hotdog from the crook of your elbow.

He does, but Cruz’s eyes are locked on the two Cotton Candies which you hold in a tight grip; The water laps at your ankles and you don’t want the $7 you spent to go to waste.

“Trust me, this will be best after a full meal. Don’t want you getting nauseous.” Cruz lets out a facetious, over-dramatic sigh, but with one bite of a hot dog, his eyes alight once more. He devours the thing quickly, almost with one gulp, whipping his head around to the cotton candy. He wiggles his eyebrows and you sigh, motioning for him to come closer.

Cruz seats himself up on the rock next you, pupils sparkling as you hand him the cotton candy stick. He takes a large bite and is immediately overwhelmed by the sweetness and how quickly the sugar melts in his mouth.

“Is that supposed to happen?”

You chuckle, taking a much tinier bite out of your own cotton candy.

“Yes, it is. It dissolves in liquid, hence the ‘no water’ thing.” Cruz nods, spun sugar strings stuck to his lips as he attacks the cotton candy like a toddler. You smile, taking another bite.

The two of you continue to snack in silence. The end of Cruz’s tail flicks back and forth, stirring tiny ripples in the pool, extremely cute and reminiscent of an excited dog. After licking away the rest of your cotton candy, you lean over to the trash bag to drop off your paper stick. It’s then do you see them.

With your face up close to Cruz’s tail, you notice lines of discoloration, streaks of white, which pepper Cruz’s tail. Your eye catches one, then another, and another. By the time you pull back, you notice quite a few all near his pelvic fins, the tip of a larger one stretching to the bottom side of his tail.

Holy shit. How did I not notice those?

On the side of his tail, three marks stand out to you. Their pink, freshly healed, and rake along his skin for 2 inches.

“Uh, Cruz?”

“Yemf?” He asks, amidst another big bite of cotton candy.

“Did you accidentally cut yourself on some coral?”

About 20 pieces of coral, technically?

Cruz hesitates mid bite, sweet spun sugar and some sort of excuse on the tip of his tongue.

“What do you mean?” Cruz’s voice, same octave, is somehow quieter, devoid of emotion.

“It’s just, you have all these marks on your tail and…” You pull back and turn your back to him. Cruz averts his gaze, but the look he gives his tail is frustrated and simmering. “I got worried, that’s all.”

“They’re nothing, it’s nothing. You wouldn’t understand.” His intonation, like his furrowed brow, bristles with a hostile energy. You turn your whole body towards him, now a bit peeved yourself.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I said it’s not a big deal. I just did something stupid, went somewhere I shouldn’t have. That’s it.” Cruz still refuses to meet your gaze, knuckles clenched white around the cotton candy stick. Your eyes dart back to the littered scars.

Who did this to him? Was it those mermaids I saw?

“Does that happen often? Wouldn’t your pod-”

“Can we just fucking drop it? It doesn’t matter anyway.” Cruz bites back, almost a yell but not quite. Your eyebrows furrow.

“Well it matters to me. If you’re getting hurt then-”

“Then what? Why the fuck does it matter if I get a few scrapes now and again, why do you even care, huh?” Cruz’s glare burrows into your skin, you can feel your eyes go wide. Something deep, something heated and bitter, stirs in your gut.“You don’t have to do anything. Just because we’re soulmates doesn’t mean you have to pretend shit. I’m not so pathetic that you have to force yourself to-”

“Can you stop putting words in my mouth for one fucking minute!” This time, you actually do scream, which echoes off the water and the rocks. Cruz’s eyes widened, stopped in the middle of his tirade. Whatever burns inside boils over, released in hot breathes and the steam under your skin.

“Is it so hard to believe that I might care about you?” Your voice cracks with lost breath and the fast pounding of your heart. You pinch the bridge of your nose and with a deep inhale and exhale, you continue.

“My whole life, people have expected this one thing of me, and I spent so long doing everything I could to be the exact opposite. But I want-” You gesture your hands to yourself and Cruz, “-this. I want to get to know you, I want to hang out and eat expensive seafood and talk about bullshit! But I can’t do that if you won’t talk to me.” You take a deep breath, Cruz not even taking the moment to jump in. “And I get that it’s hard, that we don’t know each other yet. But I want to trust you. I want you to trust me.”

A wave breaks against a rock, the noises drowned out  in the chasm of Cruz’s gaze and the beating of your heart. You can’t read the emotions on his face, what with a thousand thoughts flitting across it and the emotion welling in your eyes. The smell of brine seeps into your skin. You tuck your hands into your elbows, hoping that will stop their shaking.

“I just-”

“I-”

You both pause, caught in the middle of your thoughts. Cruz sputters.

“Sorry, I interrupted you, you can go.”

“No, no you can go.”

There’s another pause, each of you waiting for the other to go. Cruz finally steps up.

“I’m sorry for accusing you. I was making assumptions and-, and that’s not fair to you.” He expounds in one quick breathem sucking another in before continuing. “Since we met I’ve  been….going through some stuff and I think I wanted to let it out. But I shouldn’t-I shouldn’t have, not on you, not for shit that’s not even remotely your fault, damn it.”  Cruz laments, pressing his face into his hands. He takes a deep breath in, then out, and pulls his hands away. “I’m sorry.” He sighs again, scratching nervously behind his ears.

You let the sentence hang in the air a bit, trying to consolidate your mind and think hard about what to say. It’s far from easy, trying to find the words and express them properly. But it feels good. It feels right, cathartic almost.

“Thank you. And you don’t have to tell me everything if you don’t want to. We can take our time with all….this.” You untuck your hands and wave towards the air. Cruz laughs and this time, it actually settles the butterflies in your stomach. “I just want you to know that I’m here for you, whether to talk it out or even distract for a bit.”

Cruz hums in agreement, rubbing his fingers over his knuckles.

“Thanks, for that. And I-I’ll be here for you too, i-if you need it. I mean, you know where to find me.” You giggle, a bubble of exhaustion popping out of your mouth as Cruz joins you. You feel infinitely lighter. A wave brushes against your ankle, the ocean slowly eroding the thick stress in the air.

Cruz and you stand about 1 foot apart from each other, your leftovers discarded in the plastic bag by your side. Cruz fidgets with his fingers some more, eyes glancing back and forth between you and the rocks.

“Can I….Can I hold your hand?” Cruz murmurs.

You don’t respond, just nodding and lifting out your hand. Cruz slips his in.

His skin is damp, slightly cold, and he relishes in the heat of your palm. His fingers dwarf yours as they intertwine, his long claws just barely grazing your skin, careful not to actually cut the back of your hand. You brush your thumb over his knuckles and up his palm. His hands are soft, although his palms are dotted by small calluses. Cruz scoots closer to you, both of you looking out at the ocean. With a full belly and your muscles still quite sore, you rest your head on Cruz’s shoulder. You feel his muscles tense to jerk away, but they forcibly relax as he grips your palm tight. You rub his knuckles once more.

It may not be much, but it’s a start. And you think you quite like where it is heading.

[turtlessuggest]

Sea Turtles, Mermaids of the Order Testudines

Well with it being MerMay, I’ve decided to make a little post on the mermaids of the turtle family: the sea turtles.

Occupying the superfamily Chelonioidea, there are seven species of sea turtles roaming the oceans of the world.

The green sea turtle can be found in the warmer ocean waters all around the world, with two major population centers in the Atlantic and Pacific. Interestingly enough, its name does not come from its outward appearance, but instead a bit of internal anatomy, namely its fat. Their diet changes as they age, with juveniles being exclusively carnivores while older green sea turtles are omnivorous. Their conservation status is Endangered due to bycatch, consumption of their meat and eggs, and habitat loss.

The hawksbill sea turtle, as its name suggests, is readily distinguished from other sea turtles due to its large sharp beak. Their diet is mostly made up of sponges, but can also include algae, hydrozoans, and cnidarians like jellyfish and sea anenomes. Those last few prey items mean that the flesh of the hawksbill sea turtle is sometimes toxic. It can also give them something else, namely bioflouresence, or at least that’s the speculation. It is the first reptile to be recorded with this ability. The hawksbill sea turtle is Critically Endangered, as it is considered a delicacy in many places and its shell is the primary source for the material “tortoiseshell”.

The loggerhead sea turtle is the second largest sea turtle and the largest hard-shelled turtle, outweighing even the legendary Galapagos tortoise. Their name comes from their head, which houses powerful jaws easily capable of dismembering the benthic invertebrates it feeds on. Loggerhead sea turtles are also one of the few marine vertebrates to exhibit female-female aggression, with ritualized fighting occurring over feeding territory. Loggerheads are listed as Vulnerable, due to predation as eggs by many animals and humans.

The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is the rarest of all the sea turtle species. They are also the smallest species of sea turtle, growing on average to a carapace length of 30 inches long and packing on 79 to 100 pounds. The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is named after Richard Moore Kemp, who was the first to send a specimen to Harvard for study. These turtles tend to feed on crabs in shallower water, and occupy a range along the Atlantic coasts of North, Central, and some of South America. They are listed as Critically Endangered due to human predation for their flesh and hide, the latter to make boots, habitat loss, and bycatch from shrimping nets. They’ve also been major victims of major oil spills in the region, such as the Deepwater Horizon spill of 2010.

The olive ridley sea turtle is the second smallest species of sea turtle, and a close relative of the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. The term “ridley” in their names has debatable origins, possible from the word “riddle”. This 2 foot long sea turtle gets its first name from its olive colored, heart shaped shell. It can be found all across the tropics, from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Caribbean. Olive ridley sea turtles are carnivorous, feeding on many types of benthic and free swimming invertebrates such as jellyfish, sea urchins, bivalves, shrimp, and crabs. Though currently listed as Vulnerable, many populations of this species have become Endangered due to acute habitat loss, bycatch, ingestion of seagoing trash, marine dead zones, direct harvest of nesting females and their eggs, and even the densities of their larger nesting grounds or arribadas where females will accidentally damage previously laid nests.

The Australian flatback sea turtle, or simply the flatback sea turtle, is native to the warm waters of nothern Australia and the southern Indonesian archipelago, the smallest range of any sea turtle. As its name suggests, its olive green or grey green carapace is flatter than the shells of other species of sea turtle, and has upturned edges around its perimeter. This shell is also very thin, and is vulnerable to cracking under comparatively light pressure. Flatback sea turtles tend to prefer shallower waters (max 60 feet deep) with soft sandy bottoms, where it occasionally feeds on sea grasses but mostly invertebrates like sea cucumbers, jellyfish, shrimp, and even soft corals. Of the seven species of sea turtles, it is in the least amount of danger, listed as Vulnerable nationally in Australia. This is due to its smaller dispersal, a lack of demand for its meat, and its preference for shallower water results in fewer incidents of bycatch.

Finally, we come to the ruling queen of the bunch, the leatherback sea turtle. These massive turtles measure 6 to 7 feet in length on average and can weigh 550 to 1540 pounds. Unlike other turtles, the leatherback sea turtle does not have a hard shell, rather its streamlined carapace is covered by skin and oily flesh. It has the largest flippers in proportion to its body of any sea turtle, which can grow up to nearly 9 feet long. These turtles have multiple pointed tips on their beak and a swath of backwards facing spines in its esophagus to help hold on to prey, which consists almost entirely of jellyfish. These turtles have the largest global range of all sea turtles, reaching as far north as Alaska and Norway and as south as the southern tips of South Africa and New Zealand. This is due to the fact that, rare among reptiles, leatherback sea turtles are endothermic, able to generate their own body heat, as well as other adaptations for cold water living such as countercurrent heat exchange structures in their flippers and thick layers of fat. The leatherback sea turtle is extremely active, only spending .1% of the day resting, in order to maintain this metabolism. For even more records, they are the deepest diving reptile, going as deep as 4,200 feet, and the fastest moving reptiles, clocking in at a maximum of 21 miles per hour moving through water. They are listed as Vulnerable, though are subject to enough human predation to be nearly locally extinct in areas such as Malaysia where their eggs are considered a delicacy and an aphrodisiac. Adults have very few predators, with only megafauna like killer whales and great white sharks possessing the size and strength to hunt them. Unfortunately they are also vulnerable to bycatch and subsistence fishing, and have been known to accidentally ingest plastic bags thinking them to be jellyfish, leading to a deadly buildup in their digestive systems.

Happy MerMay, and remember to support sea turtle conservation efforts!

[cyb-by-lang]

Shell Game (21/?)

Kei has some important conversations while the Sports Festival goes on in the background.

Kayama-sensei ordered everyone who’d made it through the cavalry battle qualifier to gather in the middle of the stadium, forming a fair-sized crowd of UA gym uniforms in front of her podium. Forty-two kids all gathered together, all looking up at the big digital screen. Behind them, the imported American cheerleaders were trying their best to get the crowd hyped for the next event. All around, the students who hadn’t made it past the obstacle race were helping event staff roll out game equipment for the “recreational” events.

“Come closer and draw lots to see who you’re up against,” Kayama-sensei said brightly, holding a box braced against one hip. “Then enjoy the pleasure of the recreational games before we start. The sixteen finalists have the option of participating in these activities or sitting out to prepare for battle.”

Kei already knew what she was going to do. She needed time to meditate, not perform like a trained seal.

She shifted her weight slightly, making sure Monoma was within eyesight. It might’ve been a bit judgmental, but being caught unawares by his Quirk just once was enough. Giving Isobu an actual excuse for direct violence would be one of the last mistakes of somebody’s life.

“I’ll start with the first place team,” Kayama-sensei went on.

One by one, the kids picked up their numbers.

The brackets shook out like this:

First up, Midoriya and Shōda. Both of them went sickly pale when they realized they made up the first match, and Kei couldn’t blame them. She leaned toward rooting for Midoriya on the whole, if only because a kid whose fighting style drew so heavily from the Black Knight probably needed to get a pro’s attention and train himself up differently. She’d wave a foam finger for Shōda anyway, though. If she had one.

The second match: Todoroki versus Sero. While Kei thought the tape-using kid seemed nice enough, Todoroki could punch nearly in Kei’s weight class with his ridiculous ice Quirk. If it wasn’t a one-shot fight, she’d be surprised. Few people could overmatch Kei’s Water ninjutsu so easily, at least since she’d properly practiced and learned to work together with Isobu.

The third fight would be between Kaminari and Ojiro, and Kei already knew who she was rooting for there. And it wasn’t the human stun-gun, despite the power output he’d showed earlier. Hopefully, Ojiro would manage to close the distance before getting lit up like a Tesla coil. Outlasting Kaminari seemed easy, as long as the first attack wasn’t a total knockout.

Fourth: Iida and Hatsume, whom Kei had finally identified as a member of the Support Course. She’d been under the impression that the pink-haired Hatsume could be another strange Quirk user from General Studies, because after seeing engine exhaust pipes growing out of Iida’s legs anything seemed possible. Apparently she was just a less successful Tony Stark, but with binocular zoom built into her eyes.

Kei’s half of the brackets started with the fifth match: Shinsō versus Ashido. She seemed friendly enough, so Shinsō’s Quirk ought to be effective. If not, well, he’d get some use out of what self-defense tricks Kei’d managed to instill. While hopefully not getting melted horribly, because some people’s appearances and their Quirks were hardly on speaking terms.

After that, Tokoyami was up against Yaoyorozu. Having seen neither of their actual fighting styles but plenty of their Quirks, Kei didn’t really know what to think. She couldn’t stop looking at Dark Shadow and seeing a shape Isobu might like to take someday.

Kei’s own match would be second to last, facing off against 1-A’s Kirishima in what’d have to be either the longest brawl ever or a very straightforward use of her “Quirk.” Worse, she wouldn’t be able to throw the match convincingly to the kid whose deal was turning his body into a rock. Her friends back home would absolutely give her shit for losing to Kirishima even on purpose.

The very last match of the first round? Uraraka versus Bakugō. Once again, Kei knew fuck-all about one of the Quirks in that fight and plenty about the other. While she suspected explosions would turn out to be pretty hard for Uraraka to fight, Uraraka deserved to win as far as Kei was concerned.

Midoriya made a noise like a mouse being stepped on, his eyes darting back and forth between his and Uraraka’s matchups.

“This’ll be fun,” Shinsō said, rubbing the back of his neck as he scanned the crowd for Ashido.

Kei nodded distractedly. Isobu’s temper thrummed in her chest like a second heartbeat, keeping her on edge. By the time the recreational games began, Kei was forced to bid Shinsō a brief goodbye to “prepare for the tournament.”

He accepted that excuse, and probably went off to practice zingers suited for Ashido.

Retreating to the prep room instead of sticking around to watch the “fun” felt a little like she was trying to become a hermit, but Kei did it anyway. Even if she didn’t need a few minutes to calm Isobu, she definitely wanted a chance to recover some of the massive amounts of chakra she’d expended inside of an hour. Throwing around that many Water Dragon Bullets, one Water Wall, two Hidden Mists, and one Great Waterfall on top of her other general enhancements was the kind of drain that would’ve been incredibly wasteful from the perspective from any ordinary shinobi. Especially because not one of those ninjutsu had killed anyone. The pride of many a dead Kiri-nin howled for blood.

Kei only really cared about the turtle monster doing the same in her head.

This prep room’s only occupant was Midoriya, with Shōda nowhere in sight. Maybe it was for the best—she’d known Midoriya a little longer, and the kid had a tendency to get caught up in his thoughts worse than a fish in a net. She could keep to herself here and be left alone.

Midoriya raised his head when she entered, waving weakly, before going back to his muttering once she acknowledged his presence with a nod. Probably going over what he knew of the other boy’s Quirk and trying to think around it. By the time Kei pulled up a chair and slumped over the far table with her head pillowed on her arms, he was mumbling about needing his fingers.

She left him to it. Midoriya didn’t need her help. Isobu did. Therefore, Kei set an alarm on her phone and closed her eyes to drop into her and Isobu’s shared mindscape.

The formerly-tranquil cliffside beach was a wreck of disturbed coral, rock, and uprooted palm trees strewn all across white sand, and the cause of it all sat in the middle of a brand new inlet with his forelegs folded to the sides. When Kei’s mental avatar floated down to his face, he turned it as far away as he could and closed his good eye.

“I am not sorry,” said Isobu, at once in her head and to her face. “I will never be sorry for defending us.”

“I wasn’t gonna ask you to be,” Kei told him, drifting closer until she sat on one of the spikes jutting forward from his head. His entire body shifted so he sat lower in the water before she could entirely settle, sending waves so high they nearly touched Kei’s toes. “You wanna help me clean this place up?”

“No demands to change my behavior?” Isobu asked, though he dragged himself farther onto the beach. His huge digits dug into the gray-white sand and started shifting debris.

“No demands, no,” Kei said, swinging down from his spikes one-handed. Her feet crunched onto the beach sand, strangely warm under her toes. It was all an illusion, but it was still comforting. “I remember what we agreed on, and I remember the thing with Inosuke. And Madara, and Kakashi, and with the butterflies, and like…I get it. Scolding you won’t change anything.”

“It will not.” Isobu shifted a bit, allowing Kei to stoop and pick up coral fragments from under the side of his shell. As she started gathering fish-shaped mental projections and hucking them back into the water underhand, he said, “Of all the ways we could be attacked…”

“I know,” Kei said, brushing her fingers against his shell. As he rumbled, she went on, “It’s awful. I don’t—if I didn’t know it was all just kids messing around during a school event, I’d…probably have reacted a lot like you.”

“How much experience do either of us have with such a situation?” Isobu wrenched a flattened palm tree out of the sand and hurled it out to sea. “Even the most childish of the ‘games’ you have recently lived through could end in dismemberment or death for all participants. And if it was the case, you could have died without knowing what killed you.”

Kei nodded, even as she flung another fish into the surf. “I know.”

“And?”

“And he’s a kid. Messing with powers because it’s what he does,” Kei told Isobu. She sighed and leaned back, staring up at the artificial sun far above their heads. “I am and was angry, and I get why I was angry even before I get to how you influence my mood, but that was dangerous. If me being unable to keep my head is going to mean you’re about to start killing people, we need to talk about this.”

Isobu’s rumble became less contented and more threatening, like an impending landslide. He clearly wasn’t in the mood for a heart-to-heart. Only one of them had a literal heart, but Kei would argue that Isobu’s emotions ran, if anything, more intensely in him than a lot of people.

“I know what Shinsō’s Quirk is like,” Kei said, “even if I don’t remember being under it. Next time, maybe instead of trying to pop into V2 cloak and losing our collective shit, you could try just like…” Kei paused, then held up an arm so Isobu could see. In here, Kei wore her jōnin uniform instead of either of the UA sets, and Isobu’s gold-on-red eye laser-focused on her. “Punch me in the face. Just grab my arm through our chakra coils and sock me right in the jaw.”

“…I could also just do that when I want to,” Isobu said, instead of acknowledging the practicality of Kei’s plan. For him, it must’ve been easier to just tease her.

“If it works to get us out of a genjutsu…” Kei trailed off. She hadn’t been truly caught by a genjutsu for a while now, and many of the stronger ones hardly allowed movement. Some couldn’t be broken by pain, either. Still, it was something approaching a plan. “Same principle.”

Isobu made a noise like “hmph,” but scaled up tenfold. He abandoned his attempts to clear the beach, but the false debris was already starting to fade into dream-stuff. Before he disappeared into the waves, he told her, I will think about it.

Kei waved to his retreating tails, and all three of them waved back.

Then her phone alarm beeped.

Kei checked whether she’d drooled onto the table before she sat up. Once she’d determined everything was still more or less as she’d left it, minus one Midoriya through a still-swinging door, Kei got to her feet and decided to head for the stands. She checked her phone, of course—Obito had a knack for spamming the hell out of a groupchat that was difficult to tear her eyes from.  

GreenThumb: now we have brackets

GreenThumb: i saw youre up against rock kid

GreenThumb: dont lose to him

GreenThumb: im sure youre thinking about it

GreenThumb: a whole afternoon of not doin anything

GreenThumb: but splodey kid is RIGHT THERE

GreenThumb: and purple kid versus pink kid too

GreenThumb: i dunno how thats gonna go but

GreenThumb: tell shinsō hed better not lose

GreenThumb: i spent too much time gettin used as a trainin dummy

GreenThumb: so

GreenThumb: COME ON AND WIN THIS ヾ（＾ヮ\\)ﾉ

Defib: Or throw the match and save yourself the further attention of a rabid media-focused world. You don’t need to be in the finals to accomplish your goals. Or on television.

Defib: Aren’t you supposed to be more subtle than this?

TMNT-TNT: Probably.

GreenThumb: excuse me

GreenThumb: but this is team awesomeness only

GreenThumb: no killjoys allowed

Defib: Better a killjoy than dead.

GreenThumb: +ﾟ*｡:ﾟ+凸(◕‿\\✿)+ﾟ*｡:ﾟ+

TMNT-TNT: Aren’t you two literally right next to each other? Within punching distance?

Obito didn’t send any more messages after that. Neither did Kakashi.

Kei tucked her phone away and headed up toward the stands.

The student sections of the audience were divided by class, though as far as she could tell there was no actual ban on visiting the other groups. 1-A had one smattering of benches, while 1-B was next to them, and so on. It was pretty similar to their arrangement within UA’s halls, only there weren’t any massive sliding doors. Walls between the sections were high, though, and few people were already in their seats. Kei stuck her head in two of the doorways just to make sure the Hero course students were where she expected them to be, then wandered to 1-C’s spot.

“Gekkō-san, hello!” said Homura, her hair and eyebrows blazing away with excitement.

“Um.”

Kei stood there, a little stunned, as Homura took both her hands in hers and said, “Congratulations on getting as far as you have. I mean, I know you were always a strong student, but right now you’re representing our whole class. You and Shinsō-kun!”

“Thank you?” Kei managed, still blinking in surprise. Dang it, now she felt bad for thinking of throwing her match in the tournament. She still would, but it’d be less funny.

And she hadn’t even been particularly nice to any of these kids.

“It’s nice to know I have your support,” Kei said, not entirely sincere because she wasn’t fully certain of Homura’s motives. Some of the other 1-C students weren’t looking her in the eye, and that was certainly not a new development. “Make sure you tell Shinsō-san the same, okay?”

“As soon as I see him, you can count on that!” Homura promised. She let go of Kei’s hands and peered behind her, as though expecting to see Shinsō following her. “Nobody’s seen him for a while, though. I asked Shingetsu-kun already.”

Shingetsu’s head spun around at the sound of his name, though his torso kept pointing in the direction of the pointy-eared kid he was lecturing. “Sorry, did someone say something?”

Homura’s fiery eyebrows dimmed somewhat. “Have you seen Shinsō-kun?”

“Not since the last time you asked.” And then Shingetsu was back to telling the other students why throwing popcorn was bad manners. Or something like that.

“I haven’t seen him either.” Kei scratched the base of her scar. “Mind if I go look?”

“The matches will be starting soon, though,” Homura said, though she wasn’t actually telling Kei not to do what she would.

“Be right back, then,” Kei said, and darted back into the building. It was as much to find Shinsō as to get away from her classmates. As she left, she heard Shingetsu tell Homura something along the lines of “you scared her off,” but didn’t stop to ask.

Weird they were choosing now to put aside their fear of her and make nice.

With the first match so close to starting, Kei wasn’t surprised to find the hallways nearly empty of spectators, students, and everyone else. Not for the first time, she took a second to curse the total lack of chakra available to sense in the general area, which would have made finding people a snap. She ended up effectively circling the stadium twice through the halls and stairways, finding only Midoriya and Shōda up and about (and still quite nervous, despite each getting a quick pat on the back from her), before deciding to search outside the building. She could afford to miss the first match.

The stadium was set at the end of a long cement pathway, but there was a forested park jammed up against the back of it. While trotting along in search of Shinsō, she passed Todoroki leaning against the building and remembered just in time what a terrible mood looked like, so she gave him a wide berth. Tokoyami was up in a tree, his animate shadow keeping an eye out and waving down at her as she passed. It took a little longer, until she was almost on the far side of the trees, before she spotted Shinsō sitting on a root with his back against the tree trunk.

“There you are,” Kei said, relieved. She came to a stop next to him.

“What’s with that look on your face?” Shinsō asked, sitting up. One purple eyebrow went up. “You look spooked.”

What went unspoken was probably along the lines of, “And I’ve seen you literally being held hostage before, so what the fuck?”

“Our classmates were trying to be nice.” Kei shook her head slowly. “To me. Not in general. But also in general.”

Shinsō stared at her.

“Or at least Homura-san was,” Kei added, somewhat defensively. “It was weird.”

Shinsō sighed. He rubbed the back of his neck and said, “Took them long enough.”

“…What?”

“To get over themselves,” Shinsō said, a bitter look crossing his face. As she sat down in the grass across from him, he rested his chin in his hand. “You’re standoffish, like a cat, so everyone’s been tiptoeing around you trying to figure out what to do. Only now you’re doing well without them and it’s giving them ideas.”

Kei thought this was all rather cynical, but, as a cynic, waited patiently for the next part of the explanation. It was only polite.

“When people weren’t wondering when I’d turn into a villain or avoiding me, they’d act like my Quirk was super special. Like they were my friends.” Shinsō rolled his eyes. “But the second they found out I wasn’t going to use it to manipulate anyone because they were ‘so nice to me’ and asked me to, they went right back to spreading rumors.”

“I’m not,” Kei said, once he’d finished.

“Not what?”

“Not using you to get ahead,” Kei told him. She leaned back, bracing her hands against the grass to keep her balance. While a muscle in Shinsō’s jaw jumped and he fought not to interrupt, she went on, “I fully admit to not being a super nice person. I don’t know how people like Midoriya-san do it, to be honest. But…as awkward as that was, I think Homura-san was trying.”

Not particularly effectively, but there was effort behind it.

“I don’t tend to give people much of a chance.” She found herself scratching the lower end of her scar and stopped once she noticed. “I ignored almost everyone at the beginning of the year. But Homura-san seemed like she meant well. It’s not her fault if the rest of the class isn’t gonna follow her lead.”

Shinsō didn’t immediately respond. Instead, he pried at a scrap of loose bark and peeled it off, a pensive look on his face.

“So, what’re you doing this far from the stadium?” Kei asked.

“Meditating. About the only thing I can do now.” Shinsō started tying the strip of bark into a knot. “It’s not really working. I’m still nervous.”

“I think that’s normal,” Kei told him. “But like you said, you’ve made the top sixteen. The parts that wiped out basically everyone else are over.”

“That’s one way of looking at it.” Shinsō sighed again, tossing the bark into the manicured lawn. “How’d you keep calm? During that match your brother talked about?”

Kei paused. Visions of losing her temper as badly as she’d ever done before Isobu, and then having to frantically apologize for ruining Gai’s apology, flashed through her mind. Not her finest moment. “Um, you probably don’t want to know.”

Kei knew the instant Shinsō’s brain caught up with his mouth. He paled a little further, likely recalling the scraps of information Hayate had let slip. “…You know, I think you’re right.” He got to his feet. “Might as well stop putting it off.”

“And maybe our classmates will surprise you,” Kei added, as they headed back to the stadium.

“Maybe.” It wasn’t a no, at least.

[lethesomething]

DND Resource: The Underwater nation of Cuicapan

This is an extensive location I created for the Sea Elves, which in my campaign are based on a homebrew sub race of elves (I'm using this write-up by @dnd-5e-homebrew).

In general, this is meant to be a pretty unique and alien sort of world, with a lot of practical issues (underwater!) and a strange immigration policy.  Above the water, it has some highkey Pacific Island vibes.

  A remote location

The location of Cuicapan, seat of the Sea Elven nation, is a well-guarded secret. The city and its inhabitants are notoriously isolationist. But in a time where nations rise and fall, where the slave trade booms and land is taken by force, it is hard to blame these long-lived people from taking a step back.

Those who have heard of them, know that the Sea Elves don't trade with the many ships and nations that sail the ocean of the Southern Blue. Most will even tell you their existence is a myth, that their city is no more than an old wives tale, a mirage of a sunken capital full of gold and silver.

But buy enough drinks for old sailors, listen to bards sing songs of old, or, perhaps, find an piece of map in a waterlogged book, and you may very well discover the coordinates of Cuicapan.

  (I went all out on this, so it's Long, like, 5k word long)

  The Triangle of Death

The Sea Elves make their home in the Triangle of Death, so named for the dangers of sailing into it. This is an area of about 700 square kilometres in the middle of the Southern Blue, bordered by three islands that are seen as waypoints beyond which ships should not go.

To the north, there is the Lighthouse Atoll, an egg shaped island consisting of about five land masses, just above the water. The largest of these is about 300 feet wide and 20 feet long, with low vegetation. A small tower, built out of granite, is built here, warning sailors to steer clear. The eastern point of the Triangle of Death is made up by Derringer Cay, a rockier coral island. Finally, the South-West, rising out of a boiling sea strewn with sharp peaks, is Saddleback Rock. Within these islands, sea currents are notoriously treacherous and the water is a shallow maze filled with razor sharp rocky outcroppings, half hidden by the waves. The weather here is unpredictable, and large fleets have been known to meet unexpected storms and maelstroms, losing several ships before turning back to clearer waters.

This setting is no coincidence. The sea elves chose this place specifically because the massive coral reefs and rocky shallows make the area almost impossible to reach by boat. The only way in appears to be to swim, or to take a flat rowing boat. Anyone stupid or brave enough to try this approach will be met with heavy wind and quickly building waves, as if the sea itself is warning them away. Should they persist, this will turn into full fledged storms and dangerous maelstroms. The weather gradually gets worse, until a hapless adventurer either drowns or washes up on one of the atolls dotting the sea, to be met by Sea Elven guards. Then, just as fast as the storm came, it dies down again, and the sea becomes calm and clear.

  The Nation of Cuicapan

The whole area of the Triangle of Death is ironically,  once you go underwater, full of life. Forests of seaweed and kelp grow on the ocean floor, weaving gently in the calm waters and providing cover for seahorses, turtles and crustaceans.

Much of Cuicapan is furthermore built into, or around, a giant coral reef. The ocean floor blooms with colour, bright yellows, oranges, reds and purples. The place is swarming with shoals of colorful fish that make it their home, away from large predators.

It is quite the sight, especially near the edges of the Triangle, where the ocean itself is fairly shallow. The light filters through several feet of water to cast the whole area in a perpetually flickering gloom, like it's dusk even in the middle of the day.

Further towards the center, however, the ocean floors gets deeper, with rolling hills and valleys, and occasionally a few deep crags tearing into the rock. It is darker here, but many of the deeper areas are illuminated by a mixture of softly pulsing orbs and several shoals of fish hat emit a gentle greenish yellow glow. These are so-called 'glowfish' and the elves keep them as pets. They swim in large groups across the reef and sometimes, when the elves need to go on a trip to darker areas, they'l bring a few in a cage with them, before releasing them again.

  The City of the Sea Elves

It is in one of the large valleys, in the very center of the Triangle of Death, that Cuicapan sits. While Sea Elves live all over this region, and in small settlements on the ocean floor throughout the Southern Blue, Cuicapan is their capital, and their largest city .

The architecture of Cuicapan is a mixture of carved rock, repurposed shipwrecks and organic growths such as coral and seaweed. To outsiders, it looks like an ancient city being reclaimed by nature, like ruins overrun by the jungle, only at the bottom of the ocean. The wards on the south side tend to be built around, or underneath, the many rocky islets and outcroppings that litter the area. These are cave dwellings, or they started as such, that have been added to with mosses, grasses, shells and carvings.

In the sandier valleys to the east, dwellings are usually made out of weaved kelp, ancient bones and pieces of shipwrecks, embellished with piles of shale or rocks. You would expect these to look primitive or haphazard, but oddly enough they do not. The Sea Elves have excellent craftsmen, and an innate sense of beauty that turns even a pile of rocks into something very deliberate looking.

The Northern and Central wards, finally are usually made out of rock and coral, hewn and grown into a myriad of shapes. These are, perhaps, the strangest looking parts of the city, because they are so very much alive. The coral is a true hive of life, filled with creatures, and somewhere in that maze, there exist houses for the elves themselves.

  Diversity and isolationism

The Sea Elves try hard to dissuade people from coming their way, through an extensive PR-campaign (Triangle of Death, anyone?), and via the use of natural defenses, such as coral reefs, in conjunction with storms of a magical origin. This sort of advanced border defense means that no one gets in without them knowing. However, the Sea Elves are not an evil race. Any outsider caught floating or drowning within the Triangle will be swiftly picked up by the border guard, healed and, if they turn out to be non-violent, treated with kindness.

In order to keep its secrets, Cuicapan does have one very simple rule: once you get in, you may not leave. This has naturally led to a population of non-sea elf people within Cuicapan.

As it stands, The Triangle of Death holds about 80.000 Sea Elven people and 2.000 'other people'. A majority of these are tribespeople native to the larger islands within the area. These are human tribes that have made the Southern Blue their home for generations, and the ones living within the Triangle have long since allied themselves with the vast nation underneath the waves. These Islanders number about 1.200. Finally, a small chunk of the population, about 800, is made up of 'visitors'. These visitors are mostly shipwrecked people, either sailors, pirates or escaped slaves. Since those that come here are not permitted to leave again, these survivors en up living in mixed settlements on the atolls or in special quarters on the ocean floor.

Insiders and outsiders

An important part of Cuicapan culture, then, is the difference between these different members of society. This difference is even reflected in the language, which makes a point of classing people as Morani, Hirani and Hiroki. In some severe cases, they may also be considered Hitash. Morani are the Sea Elves themselves, the underwater natives, so to speak,

while Hirani are 'friends' or 'allies'. This word was originally used for the Islanders that live in the area, but it has expanded to incorporate all non-Sea Elves that are considered allies, specifically those that can water breathe in some way.

Hiroki, then, are 'outsiders' or 'guests'. They're not treated particularly badly, but it's harder for them to become a part of society, for the rather simple reason that most of that society exists underwater. It must be noted that Cuicapan considers most everyone a visitor that cannot breathe water. This even includes half-elves born from a coupling of Sea Elf and other humanoids. If they are born without gills, they will, for the most part, live life as 'hirok'.

Hiroki have a choice of where to settle, and most will go to the islands above where they can move (and breathe) more freely. Some can also choose to live within special dwellings outfitted with air bubbles trapped on the ocean floor, using devices such as prototype diving bells or water breathing potions to get around.

Hitash, finally, are enemies. These are the pirates and slavers that sail the ocean, military vessels but also, very specifically, merrow, who are considered mortal enemies and attacked on sight.

  Breathing under the sea

What with the whole 'underwater' bit, a main issue for many visitors to Cuicapan will be breathing. Several wards in the city have 'hirok buildings' for this specific purpose. These are places where those who cannot breathe water can stay on the ocean floor. They are usually built above volcanic exhausts, with the gasses filtered to be breathable. In the case of one meeting room within the central palace, it is even a specifically made chamber where air is manually brought in and trapped.

A lot of these dwellings are built in caves and the hulls of downed ships, either through some misinterpretation of what would make the sailors feel comfortable, or as a rather mean joke. While these guest buildings make it possible for those without gills or magic to reside on the ocean floor, they do take some getting used to. The air bubbles are, by their nature, humid and warm, and they smell a little sulfurous. Not poisonous, but not exactly fresh air either.

  Quirks of living under the sea

Sea Elves can breathe both water and air, but most, especially the more traditional or pureblood ones, prefer to stay under the sea. This means a lot of their culture is adapted to this specific environment.

An obvious example of this are potions. It's impossible, or at least very difficult, to drink underwater, but the Sea Elves  do use potions. They are usually brewed on land, by the Island Tribes. These people make batches of highly concentrated potions and store them in a sort of small water balloon, usually made out of the swim bladder of a specific fish. The bladder is filled with a potion and tied off on both ends, and stored carefully for travel. When needed, the potion is swallowed whole. It will burst open within the stomach of the patient, releasing its load.

Another important part of sea elf production deals with resins and oils. Sea water is fairly corrosive, so most traditional warriors use armor and weaponry made of bones and scales. However, those tend to be less tough than metal, so they need to be treated to harden them.

At the same time, a lot of the fastings used in Sea Elven clothing and armor are made out of underwater vines. These are supple and strong when wet, but they can quickly become brittle when left to dry. These must then be treated to withstand the air.

The whole thing has led the Sea Elves to being experts in several types of 'proofing'. The craftsmen of Cuicapan work with several resins and oils to achieve this, but have in recent years also started a process that is essentially 'precious metal coating'.

One side effect of all the shipwrecks, you see, is a pile of gold and silver and even some platinum that the Sea Elves have no real use for. As such, they started a small forge, located on one of the rocky islands in the territory. It is here that a lot of the gold and silver taken from downed ships is stored. A combination of magic and existing resins is used to turn these already precious metals into a hardened coating that can withstand most corrosion and is as strong, if not stronger, than steel. This coat is then applied to the bone armor and bone weaponry that the Sea Elves crafted themselves, or to some of the nicer pieces of weaponry that they have found.

This has the strange side effect that while Sea Elves don't really care much about wealth, they do, to outsiders, look like an incredibly wealthy nation.

This is in part where the 'sunken city of gold' myths come from. Elves might not care about money, but they do care about beauty and craftsmanship, so a random shipwrecked sailor will find himself visited by strange warriors with expertly carved gold tipped spears made out of whale bone, with elaborately decorated silver plated wristbands beset with precious gems, and exquisitely engraved and decorated shields.

Cuicapan economy

As hinted at, Cuicapan may be large, but it is still mostly tribal in economy. The place doesn't have traditional shops, or much of a money based system, choosing instead to give people a job they would be good at, that can be of use to their society as a whole. This can be tending to the coral, protecting the borders, educating children or becoming expert craftsfolk.

Sea Elven goods are therefore generally very well made. Craftsmen here spend a lot of time turning basic materials such as rock or bone into small, beautiful pieces of utility. Elves in general have quite a respectable way of dealing with their environments, and Sea Elves are no different. Their hunters spear large fish and sea creatures, and they use a majority of their parts. The meat is eaten, while the bones are prized for crafts and, in the case of larger fish, weapons and armor. The hides and scales are turned into bags and clothing.

  Underwater Magic

Cuicapan is an old society, and while much of magic knowledge has disappeared from the areas around it, the sea elves do keep with their old ways. There are quite a few magic users within their population. Several of these put their talents to use for the upkeep of their lands. To put it bluntly: they summon storms and waves to capsize ships that get too close.

A number of magic users also work on equipment: hardening bone armor and spears to stand up to iron, enchanting the gold and silver foil that surrounds their smithed items, and generally waterproofing or protecting different materials from the more eroding effects of the environment they live in.

One very specific position, usually taken up by a single Sea Elf but never left unmanned, is that of Bond Enchanter. This is the one that enchants jewelry, usually a necklace or a ring of some kind, that couples give each other upon bonding. For morani, this traditionally holds a small blessing or a heal spell. When morani marry a hirani, however, the enchantment is almost always a water breathing one, ensuring that the two need not be apart for long.

  A Watery Language

Being notably reclusive, the Sea Elves haven't had a lot of contact with their land-dwelling brethren for several centuries. As such, the inhabitants of Cuicapan do speak Elvish, but they use a rather strange dialect.

This is reflected in their specific words (such as 'hirani') and in the fact that they have a myriad of words for water temperatures, sea currents and the like. You can also, however, see it in their use of verbs. Centuries of living under the water has made their sense of time more fluid, and Cuicapan elves appear to use mostly continuous tenses.

Examples: 'What is your name' would sound something like 'Names being?' 'How did you find this place' becomes 'How finding the city?' Etc.

It's a fairly basic change that doesn't truly impede understanding too much, but that still befuddles most visitors.

As such, any visitor entering Cuicapan will be able to understand the people here on a basic level if they speak Elven, but there should be some difficulty having deep, nuanced conversations. This specific grammar also bleeds through in their use of Common, in the few Sea Elves that speak it. The Cuicapan elves do, however, employ visitor guides that will usually speak Elven and some basic Common or other languages. A lot of these guides will be either Islanders or Hirok themselves, people that are part of this society, but can form a buffer for any culture shock a visitor might have.

  A note on Islanders

The Triangle Tribe, or Islanders, are a small but crucial part of Cuicapan society. They long ago allied themselves with their underwater neighbours, and have a tradition of diving. Like pearl divers, they learn from a young age how to hold their breath and how to move swiftly under the water, earning them a sort of 'honorary sea elf' status.

Their culture, while overlapping slightly with that of the city beneath the waves, is generally more friendly and relaxed. This is a human tribe, which automatically makes them a little less stuck-up than the elves, and they put great stock in hospitality. This is a good thing, considering most of the 'hiroki' end up on their islands one way or another. Luckily, they have thrived from the influx of stranded traders, sailors, and ex-slaves that have found their way into the Triangle, learning and adapting many new technologies and infrastructures.

Several tribespeople have therefore taken up a job as a visitor guides, accompanying the border patrols and guiding any stranded folk with their superior knowledge of languages and customs.

Specific islander tech includes potions, but they also have some diving implements of their own.

One particular gnomish inventor that settled on the islands years ago, has invented someting akin to a snorkel, and he makes sacks that store air. The idea here is that young children can bring them with them when they're learning to dive.

  Notable locations within the City of Sea Elves

The Coral Palace: In the center of Cuicapan stands the Coral Palace, the seat of power for the Sea Elves. This unique structure consists almost entirely out of living coral. It is tended to by specialised farmers and gardeners, who keep it shaped and within some semblance of control. Still, it looks nothing like the buildings made by man. Instead it's a mass of spires and blooming domes, seemingly unbothered by gravity, and it is very clearly alive. The Coral Palace is splotched with color, like the reef around it: reds and oranges and greens and blues and bright yellows. It is also swarming with little fish and sea creatures, some glowing, moving in and out of the porous walls  and floors.

Wisdom: The sea elves have written language but they choose, for the most part, not to use it. Books are not a practical underwater endeavour and writing in general is seen as a fleeting form of knowledge. Instead, Cuicapan's own history, laws and customs are kept via oral tradition and this is handled by Wisdom. This structure is a large bowl, almost like an amphitheatre, built specifically to send sound waves across large swaths of the city. Here, the Tellers sing a never ending song that weaves the stories of the Sea Elves together. These tales go from very old, composed in Ancient Elven, to very new, in the modern dialect, speaking of recent events and technologies. As part of their education, children are expected sit in the amphitheatre and listen while they weave or play or work on other things.

The Third Hirok House: One of several 'hirok houses' that are used as a visitor centre, and a likely entrypoint for adventurers. This is a downed ship on the outskirts of the Triangle, turned over on the sandy ocean floor to form a building of sorts. Seaweed and vines cover part of it, and on one side a large hole in the hull is fitted with a sheet of transparent crystal or glass. Visitors enter the place via a small water lock. Once inside, there is air: damp, sulphurous, smelling lightly like a gym locker room, but air nonetheless. Wooden planks have been laid down on the ocean floor, and several rugs in different styles give the place a cozy if eclectic feel. The walls and ceiling are vaulted, obviously, making the place look like a low gothic cathedral of sorts. A single, huge cystal chandelier hangs from the high ceiling in the very middle of the room. It does not hold candles, but instead small orbs that glow with a soft blue light. Through the crystal window, you can look out to the softly rolling hills of the ocean floor, and to the forests of kelp making up most of the surface here. The rest of the walls are stuffed with a strange assortment of curios and furniture that has obviously been taken from downed ships. Shelves hold boxes, tea tins, sacks of grain and assorted goods. There's dried and cured meats, and barrels of assorted crockery. A wardrobe holds a bunch of old, frayed clothes, while a cabinet on the other wall has a number of nautical implements. There is a diving bell here, that looks like a large brass bell with a little window on the side. There's also an old fashioned diving suit, which to most adventurers would look like a suit of armor made of copper and leather, with a very unwieldy looking rounded helmet that has a set of lenses bolted all around the front. In the middle of the room, a mismatched set of furniture is placed to look like a parlour. A nice, mosaic inlaid table stands in the middle, surrounded by a low felt couch, some stuffed chaises in very differing styles and a few carved chairs. This is the waiting room for any visiting hiroki.

The Library of Hirok and The Room of Fallen Treasures: A large part of Cuicapan resources are scavenged from the many shipwrecked boats that dared to enter the triangle. Several of these boats have been rigged together on the ocean floor and set up to form a strange kind of museum. This is where you will find the Library, a set of rooms with air trapped within them, that hold whatever waterlogged books could be saved. Most of these are  ship ledgers and the occasional map or diary, but there's a few novels and possibly a magic book here or there. Next to the library, the sea elves also keep a Room of Fallen Treasures. Fancy but decorative weaponry, jewelry and visually pleasing but ultimately useless pieces that survived a trip to the bottom of the sea are kept here. Sadly, anything the elves and hiroki can actually use has been taken out, so don't expect water breathing stuff.

The Skyforge: On a rocky, volcanic island to the south of Cuicapan sits the Skyforge. This whole island is basically a large smithy and workshop. It is here that most of the waterproofing and all of the smelting of gold and silver is done. The forge itself is tended to by a strange assortment of Sea Elven craftsman, and a handful of Hiroki, including two Dwarves.

  Characters

Nimue: the Master Teller. An old, very frail looking elven woman with white, almost translucent hair that is as long as she is and flows freely around her in a cloud of white tendrils. She has pale blue skin and wears flowy robes that are cinched around her ankles and wrists and set with little shells. Her eyes are milky white and she appears to be blind, but her voice is a high, melodious, crystal clear and, even in her old age, unbroken.

Lotha: Another Teller and a woman with teal coloured skin and dark mossy green hair. Her eyes are a deep blue, almost black. She is dressed in a blackish green weave of kelp that forms a short sleeveless dress of sorts. She wears a necklace of a mother-of-pearl oval with a spiral carved into it and appears friendly but very serious, as if she carries a deep sadness within her.

Ruehnar Envaris: The authority in Cuicapan. The Sea Elves do not have a traditional king, but they do have a Leader that has to make day to day decisions. Ruehnar is that leader. He is fairly tall for a sea elf, with greyish skin and very long anthracite coloured hair. Notably, he wears… very little. His formal wear consists of a short, stiff skirt made out of shark skin. His torso is naked but bedecked in jewelry. Several rows of shell cord line his chest and are tied around his upper arms and weaved into his hair. Bangles hang around his wrists and ankles. Ruehnar is a stern sort of man, who will naturally assume the worst about the intelligence of any Hiroki placed before him, but he is not unkind when they prove themselves.  This is one of the few Cuicapan that, when confronted with outsiders, will not speak the typical dialect. He speaks Common and Elven, and does so in a very formal, bookish sort of way.

Kindrith Izel: A seemingly young Sea Elf with bright golden hair and an almost purplish, dark skin. She wears a scale armor top that reaches across one of her shoulders and comes down to the middle of her thigh. Underneath are fairly tight pants made out of some kind of netting. She's a very jovial sort of person who is, especially for an elf, quite relaxed in her manners. This is probably one of the reasons that she's been made a visitor guide. This is one of the people that will happily rescue and escort drowned adventurers. She's usually accompanied by Cualli in her work. Kindrith speaks Sea Elvish and Common with a Very Heavy accent.

Cualli: A brown skinned woman with long black hair tied in braids across her head. She is one of the Islanders, a native to the region and a good friend of Kindrith, usually accompanying her when dealing with visitors. She's can hold her breath for Very Long and is a fast swimmer, but she does remain human, so she will need to come up for air. She appears to wear loose, cropped pants made out of woven fabric and has a simple boob tube top. Friendly in nature, and polite, but a bit more serious than Kindrith. Cualli speaks flawless Common and Elvish

Naesala Torxin: A purplish pink sea elf with very dark blue hair, cropped short. Naesala is a commander of a group of border guards, and potentially one of the first Sea Elves that adventurers will meet. He wears greaves and bone armor wristbands, but keeps his chest bare. Due to the nature of his job, he is careful and untrusting of outsiders. Talking to him is difficult because of this, and because he speaks only the very heaviest of Sea Elven dialect.

Ko Jae-Sun: An older trader that has been living here for 20 years.  Jae-Sun is a human man in his late middle age. He has pale, olive tinted skin, and long white hair tied together in a ponytail that falls to below his waist. His face is round, wrinkled but friendly looking, with long, wispy white eyebrows, pale grey monolid eyes, and a long goatee, white, tied with a green bead just below his chin. He wears long robes that look like they might have started out as simple wizard's robes, but that have since been embellished with jade jewels and added embroidery down the panes to the front. Jae-Sun appears very much to be a man set in his ways, sipping tea and accumulating 'land' art and furniture, even while sitting at the bottom of the ocean. He tends to the Third Hirok house.

  Cuisine

As with many things in Cuicapan, the food here has a certain duality to it. Underwater, the sea elves mostly subsist on raw fish and underwater plant life. A staple of life in Cuicapan is 'mon', a traditional dish that is essentially called an old elven word for 'meal'. The islanders and outsiders have also taken to naming this the Cuicapan Sandwich. The dish is a type of thin layer cake, and it consists of very thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, layers of spread sea urchin or fish eggs, and fragrant plant life. The whole thing is usually wrapped in a thin sheet of edible kelp for easy storage and safe-keeping, which makes it look a little like the lembas of their land dwelling brethren. 

A great deal of variety and craft is put into these mon, with the makers trying to outdo themselves on flavours and the thinness and numbers of their layers (ideally, the fish slices are so thin you can see through them).

Above water, meanwhile, the Islanders have a rich and varied food culture, based in part on their relation with the Sea Elves and the environment, but heavily influenced by tribal traditions and an influx of outside food. Islanders don't have too much room for agriculture, but they keep chickens and a breed of small pig. They also grow several root vegetables and beans, and cultivate the many fruit trees that are native to the islands. A typical island meal consists of dried meat or smoked pork, fruit, 'coleslaw', poi biscuits and 'rolled fish'.

Coleslaw: Shredded cabbage and seaweed, salted and spiced, usually with a little bit of lime juice  for dressing.

Poi biscuits: These are small round biscuits, usually somewhat sweet. They're made of root vegetables such as the taro root that grows everywhere on the islands. The tubers are cooked, stamped into flour and turned into dough by adding water or coconut milk. In some case also eggs and spices. They are then shaped and cooked on a griddle.

Rolled fish: this is a slightly simpler variant of the Cuicapan Sandwich that consists of slices of fish or seafood, rolled together with herbs or spiced oils and seaweed. In a lot of cases, the fish isn't even rolled, but cubes or slices of it are mixed with vegetables, herbs and dressing in a small bowl. It's still called rolled fish though.

Other traditional dishes:

Hime Hime, or Fish Soup: the rather irreverent name for a delectable dish made out of coconut milk, lime juice, fresh raw fish and vegetables. The lime 'cook' the fish in this dish, and the other ingredients are added later for taste.

Don, or Chicken and noodles: Brought over by sailors from the Deishasa continent, where they're usually made out of rice. Islanders make their noodles out of taro or mung bean flour, and cook them in a broth with chicken and usually some coconut milk. The broth is comfort food, but it is also considered to have medicinal properties, and traditionally given when you're sick.

Barbee: another one heavily influenced by Hiroki. The act of roasting things over an open fire has been turned into an art by the Triangle Tribe. Feasts and celebrations tend to involve barbee of some kind, with roast fruits and vegetables, whole fish speared on sticks over the fire, pieces of chicken and pork, and crabs, which are usually cooked whole within their shell.

Noi noi, or Nut Cake: a traditional dessert made out of sweet potato, with dried coconut and various jungle nuts, baked in a mold in an underground oven. It's quite a hardy dish, and is usually served with a fruit jam or syrup.

  DM notes

Going under the sea to meet with the sea elves should be a weird and wondrous experience, so I did make this place fairly unique, I hope. Characters entering the Triangle of Death will almost invariably meet with a storm and if you're lucky, almost drown, starting off this adventure with a sense of danger and fear, only to come upon this bewildering, beautiful and kindof atmospheric landscape. That is at least how I set it out to be. The sea elves are, in this incarnation, very curious, as most elves are, but also a little reserved. They're not evil, by any means, but they do, uhhh, crash ships as a way to dissuade visitors, so there's that.

  A major quest for a party, once they get here, is to get out again. This could either be some kind of jailbreak thing, or a trial of some sort, in which they prove themselves to be trustworthy, or work themselves up to be agents of Cuicapan in some manner.

[hollowsart]

Normal left! Shiny right!

The Canbora Starter Pokemon!

Cortle - Water - The Coral Turtle Pokemon

- Cortle’s shell is soft like sea sponge with coral fragments growing upon it. It does not mind however as it helps to get nutrients to the coral and in turn the coral gives nutrients to the Cortle. Cortle have been known to swim around while asleep, always on the move from predators. Cortle are rather docile and their shells become home to small aquatic life.

Jotree - Grass - The Joey Pokemon

- Jotree are curious little creatures. Living in the treetops where it is safer as they are too young yet to travel along the ground. They prefer places high off the ground for fear of predators. However, in the case of an attack they are capable of defending themselves with the leaves upon their bodies. The leaves on their bodies are also quite useful camouflage.

Pyras - Fire - The Pyro Hawk Pokemon

- The small match-like tail these Pokemon have scratch against the ground and catch aflame. They, however, are in the state of training to learn to hunt on their own. These Pokemon are always very warm, even in the winter. Some people would often call these Pokemon pests for the fact they will often unintentionally start brush fires while out learning to hunt.

[ledgrowlightconz]

5 Things Not To Do During A Dive

Scuba diving the do-no-harm way In a previous article 10 Things Not To Do If You Love Scuba Diving And The Ocean, I covered ten things you should not do, if you want to protect the ocean. But where these focused on general, everyday behavior, this article will focus on things that you can do (or rather, should not do) during a dive. Buy Diving Equipment in New Zealand. #1 Harass Marine Life This one really should be a no-brainer, and yet we do see all too often videos uploaded to YouTube showing people (non-divers and divers alike) entertaining themselves by (inadvertently) harassing marine wildlife. So just to reiterate: don’t grab animals, don’t hold them for photo ops, don’t go for rides on dolphins or turtles, and don’t force puffer fish to inflate (it can be fatal to them). It is bad form, you’re setting a terrible example for other divers, and many organizations will actually revoke your license, at least if you’re a professional diver, such as an instructor or divemaster. #2 Pick Up Coral This one should be a no-brainer, but it still happens. Coral grows slowly, and a snapped-off piece of a few inches can take many years to regrow. To make matters worse, some types of coral are at risk of dying if even small piece are broken off, killing off a major part of the reef they’re on. Here’s A Scuba Diver’s Impact On The Coral Reef. Quite quickly, we’d find ourselves with severely diminished coral growth on reefs around the world. But there’s more to this than just not breaking off living coral. Picking up dead corals off the seabed isn’t much better. These broken off pieces are also part of the ocean’s ecosystem, so removing them also removes resources that other parts in that ecosystem depends on. And I know you only pick up a single piece. But so does the next diver. And the one after that. And the one after that. Do not do while diving pick up corals #3 Land On Stuff For many divers, and in particular novice ones, maintaining neutral buoyancy is tricky. Underwater Breathing Diving Snorkel Deep Diving Ventilator In particular when you want to get a photo of something, and need to keep completely still. So from time to time divers will “land” on the bottom to rest or stabilize themselves. This is fine if you’re landing on a clear sandy bottom, but not so if you land on corals, anemone or other sensitive plant and animal life. Before you set down, look at where you’ll be landing and make the assessment of whether it would be OK or not. Imagine yourself diving without a wetsuit. If you’d be OK with putting your exposed skin on whatever surface you’re eyeing, it’s probably OK to do so in a wetsuit. #4 Chum Spotting marine life, in particular the large, pelagic ones, like sharks, is a real crowd pleaser. But because animals usually don’t follow timetables, sightings are never guaranteed. For many of us divers, that’s part of the charm; you never know what you’re going to see (maybe nothing). But sometimes, out of impatience perhaps, some divers and dive guides will try to stack the odds in their favor by chumming the water to attract certain species, usually shark, or they’ll bring chum on a dive to draw animals closer. And this is always a bad idea. Chumming means animals start associating divers with food, which will make them less careful when approaching them, and some humans seek to cause harm to animals. Also, feeding in particular sharks can cause feeding frenzies, where humans can get bit. Too many shark bites around the world are actually caused by humans chumming, but ultimately, it is the shark that gets blamed. #5 Take Souvenirs There is no better souvenir than a memory, or a photo. Picking up stuff from the ocean, whether it be shells, rocks, pieces of coral (see point #2), or artifacts from shipwrecks. Sure, if you come across something that is obviously trash, bringing it up with you and throwing it out is cool, admirable even, but anything else should be left in the ocean. Some things are a part of the local ecosystem, others serve as shelter for marine wildlife, and still others are part of the dive experience, and if you take it with you, you’re essentially robbing future divers of that experience. Here’s how you can Make A Positive Difference For The Environment. Scuba Aqualung Diving System Portable Rechargeable So while that centuries old wine bottle could probably look awesome sitting on your desk, leave it for others to enjoy, too (not to mention that it might be illegal to raise it, depending on the laws of the area).

[pirate-autobot]

The Experiment: Ch. 17

So many questions, so much trouble to get into, so little time...

The Captain Underpants gem au was made by @angerydj

“What an astounding headquarters!” Captain Underpants said, looking at everything in the treehouse. “Full of relics from my past exploits and adventures!” He picked up a plunger he recognized when he fought Wedgie Woman. “Oh this takes me back.”

But... did it really? Yes he recognized everything from the stories George and Harold had archived about him. But it felt wrong. Something was missing.

Something important.

While he was rummaging around the treehouse, the boys were discussing what to do now while drinking something called “so-duh”. He found the turtle drone and gasped.

“Look at you, you precious little thing!” He said, picking up the drone. “You are so adorable.”

The boys laughed at him. He was a charming gem after all. But he still had questions that needed to be answered. He put the turtle down.

“Well sidekicks, now it is time to fly again!” He said cheerfully

“What?! No! Nononono no!” George said frantically

In desperation, he splashed his drink into Captain Underpants’ face. The liquid dripped onto his gem. His form glowed and quickly poofed away, leaving his cape suspended in the air for one second before his gem glowed and reformed into it. But it was Mr. Krupp that formed.

“Wha, what? What’s happening? Why am I wearing this thing?!” He asked, voice growing louder with every question. 

One second he was in his office, looking into the panicked desperate face of Yellow Sapphire and Red Zircon. Now... well they were still panicked and desperate, but this was most definitely not his office. He was wearing one of his office curtains as a cape though.

“Oh no, he’s Krupp again!” The yellow gem pointed out.

“You two!” He said, stomping closer to the infants.

George fearfully looked away, and snapped his fingers. Krupp poofed away and Captain Underpants reformed.

“Tra la laaaaa!” He said heroically

“What? That’s it! That’s how we can turn him back!” Harold said

“Turn who what?” Captain Underpants asked before he was splashed with a drink. 

Poof!

Mr. Krupp put a hand on his gem.

“Why is my gem all wet? Hey!” He said, pointing an accusatory finger at Harold before he snapped his fingers.

Poof!

“Tra la laaaaaaa!” Captain Underpants said

“We should probably stop.” George suggested with a smile

“We should, but we won’t.” Harold responded

“Did your clarity tell you that?” George asked, quirking his eyebrows and cracking a smirk.

“I don’t need to see in the future to know how we both work.” Harold said with his own smirk before splashing their creation with his drink.

Poof!

“Where am I even? You two are-”

Snap!

Poof!

“Hey sidekicks!”

Splash!

Poof!

“You two are in big trou-”

Snap!

Poof!

“It is time to fly agai-”

Splash!

Poof!

“What’s happening?!”

And back and forth it went with the two infants laughing all the way. Until they made Captain Underpants poof into Mr. Krupp while he leapt in the air. The agate poofed once he hit the floor. The boys winced at the loud thud that echoed in the small space of the treehouse.

“Might have overdone it.” Harold said

“Yeah.” George responded

Carefully, he picked up the malformed gem. He held it one way and saw his reflection in both parts of it. He furrowed his brow holding it steady.

“You know, I don’t get it.” He said

“Get what?” Harold asked, his face reflecting off the other part of their principals gem.

“How does hypnosis even work on gems?” George asked, turning around to look at his friend. “I mean, you have Mr. Krupp who’s all,” he quickly changed forms to be the red agate, “Follow rules, listen to me, blah blah grr grr!” He clicked his heels the whole time to emphasize his point. Harold snickered all the while. “But then, you have Captain Underpants, and he’s all,” he changed to Captain Underpants and struck a heroic pose, “Truth! Justice! All things pre-shrunk and cottony! Tra la laaaa!” Harold fell back with laughter.

“You are rocking at shape shifting!” He said

“Thanks! But not the point.” George said, changing back to himself. “You know what I mean, right? How did an old gem like Mr. Krupp get hypnotized into believing he’s someone else?”

“I don’t know. Maybe he has a secret happy side nobody has ever seen.” Harold suggested, putting a hand on the agate in his friends hand.

The gem started to glow. It meant that Krupp was reforming. The boys put their hands on the gem and made a yellow and red bubble around it. They heaved a sigh of relief having stopped their principals reformation.

Then they realized they stopped their principals reformation.

“I think it’s time we took him home.” Harold said. He stepped away from the bubble and picked up a slingshot and a shell.

“Where does he even live?” George asked

“Uh,” Harold started

Beryl looked over the ingredients for the meal for her son. Her eyes turned to the recipe.

“Carefully chop the carrot without cutting your fingers,” She read out loud.

“Hey mom!” Harold said

“Dinner will be ready in a minute sweetie!” She called back

“Do you know where Principal Agate lives?” He asked

“Red Agate? I don’t know sweetie. He doesn’t have a house, and I have never seen him go into an apartment building for long. Some gems say he lives outside the colony by the glass puddle.” She called back

“Okay! Thanks! I’ll come right back!” Harold yelled back. Being focused on preparing the meal, Beryl did not catch that last part.

“Wash your hands when your done playing!” She yelled back, before hearing the backdoor slam.

“Outside the dome?!” George asked “I heard there’s a monster out there!”

“Yeah. A mean old red agate.” Harold said, holding the bubbled gem in question. The two let out a short laugh.

“No but seriously.” George said

“Lets go before the sun sets.” Harold said, leading the way.

They used to go outside the dome for field trips. But that was when they were younger. That stopped because George and Harold wandered off too many times to count, as far as the infants remembered. The near darkness of the cave that lie just outside of their colony swallowed the light from the hole. George and Harold noticed the charred metal that was melted to make the Red Agate shaped hole.

George made his gem glow to help shine a red light around them. Just a few steps away from the colony, they found the glass puddle. It was a spot where footsteps in the sand were perfectly preserved under glass. And right next to it, where wires slithered into every window, was a strange stony domicile carved into the rock of the cave.

“I think that’s the place.” George said. Harold stepped behind him.

“What if that monster is inside, waiting for us?” he asked

“What if it’s full of bubbled gems that crossed him?” George asked

“The floor covered in fragmented gems!” Harold added

“Gems he ate!” George added

Finally they opened the door. A light came on, and the Harold screamed.

Whatever they were expecting Mr. Krupps house to look like inside, this wasn’t it.

A monitor was set up across from a chair. At least, that’s what they assumed the large boulder with a melted spot was for. On a shelf was a glass tank with a couple pieces of coral and a shrimp swimming in the water. That was all they could see rom the door. It wasn’t scary at all.

“Why’d you scream?” George asked

“I don’t know, it was just a reaction. This is actually kinda nice. In a rocky sort of way.” Harold said. The two walked in, Harold putting the bubbled gem in the “chair” while George closed the door behind them.

“We probably shouldn’t look around.” George said

“Yeah, definitely shouldn’t.” Harold agreed. The two smirked at each other, knowing that was what they were going to do. 

They went into what they assumed was the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. The only thing in it was a bucket of frozen bait fish thawing.

They opened every drawer. The only utensil they could find was a fork, and it was bent awkwardly.

They opened the cupboards and didn’t find a thing.

“This guy is bumming me out.” Harold commented

They opened closest, turned on and off lights they even tried bouncing on his bed which was hard as a rock too. The house was empty, boring, and sad. This was nothing like they expected rom their principal. But st the sameness time, it was exactly like him.

A hollow house for a hollow gem.

[lifelearningapps]

Moodzie Loves Turtles

Moodzie loves turtles, these magnificent creatures come in all shapes and sizes and live in a number of different environments. They all belong to a group of reptiles called Testudines, which includes turtles, tortoises, and terrapins. From giant, slow-moving land-dwelling tortoises and snappy terrapins basking in their fresh-water lagoons, to the graceful strokes of a sea turtle gliding through our oceans. Moodzie now will share some fun and interesting facts about turtles. Turtles belong to one of the oldest reptile groups in the world – beating snakes, crocodiles, and alligators! These creatures date back to the time of the dinosaurs, over 200 million years ago – Woah! Turtles are easily recognized by their bony, cartilaginous shell. This super-tough casing acts as a shield to protect them from predators – some turtles can even tuck their head up inside their shell for extra protection! Just like your bones, a turtle’s shell is actually part of its skeleton. It’s made up of over 50 bones which include the turtle’s rib cage and spine. Moodzie would also like to state that Contrary to popular belief, a turtle cannot come out of its shell. The turtle’s shell grows with them, so it’s impossible for them to grow too big for it! What a turtle eats depends on the environment it lives in. Land-dwelling turtles will munch on beetles, fruit and grass, whereas sea dwellers will gobble everything from algae to squid and jellyfish. Moodzie also believes it Is a fun fact that turtles are all unique, as some turtles are meat eaters purely, whereas others may be herbivores, and then some are like humans where they eat both meat and plant foods, which is unlike other animals for the most part. Turtles, also Moodzie would like to state are unique in the sense that they can reside both at land and inside water, most turtles prefer to mainly live on land, however many also do spend a good portion of their time within the water. Turtles also have a very long lifespan, in fact on average turtles live considerably longer than humans, as some turtles live up to near 200 years. Moodzie would, however, state that sadly, there a total of 300 types of turtles and nearly half of them at this point are in risk of being endangered whereas, many already are, simply because of the atmosphere and environment, and also the illegal pet trade that occurs. Moodzie just loves turtles. Below is some awesome information about turtles and why they are endangered. Together we can make a difference!

Physical Features

Green sea turtles are cold-blooded reptiles that get their own heat from the environment by basking in the sun. Adults can weigh over 500 pounds or 226 kilos, and can live up to fifty years of age. Their thick skin has scales and they have a bony outer shell that covers their dorsal (back) and ventral (belly) surfaces. Unlike land turtles, green sea turtles are unable to retract their heads. Behind each eye, the green sea turtle has a salt gland that allows them to shed tears of excess salt.

Special Abilities

Green sea turtles are incredibly adapted to their life in the ocean. With their flippers, they are graceful swimmers with the capacity to swim for long distances in short periods of time. Every few minutes, the turtles will rise to the surface to breathe, while swimming actively. Even though the green sea turtles breathe air, they can swim underwater for more than two hours without breathing, when sleeping or resting. As a result of being able to store oxygen in their muscles and blood, they use the oxygen more efficiently, and can gain higher concentrations of carbon dioxide in their blood. However, juvenile green sea turtles will sleep afloat on the water’s surface, until they develop this ability.

Diet

Green sea turtles get their color from their body fat, which is green from the algae and sea grass that they eat. On the other hand, juvenile green sea turtles tend to eat jellyfish and other invertebrates. They are often found on rocky shorelines and coral reefs, where sea grass is plentiful. Fish tend to feed off the algae, which grow on the turtles’ backs. Often, green sea turtles can migrate for over 800 miles or 128 kilometers in the search for food and to mate.

Reproduction

A female green sea turtle does not mate every year, but when she does, she comes to shore to make a nest in the sand to lay eggs. She will carve out a bottle-shaped burrow with her flippers, before she lays between 100 and 200 leathery-skinned eggs. She will then cover the nest with sand to protect it from predators, and maintain the moisture and warmth. Once her parenting job is complete, she returns to the sea and leaves her young to hatch by themselves in a couple of months and to fend for themselves.

Impacts

Hunting

In some traditional cultures, turtles are hunted for their meat. Whereas in other cultures, turtles have been hunted for their shells to make jewellery and other ornaments. Their skin has been used to make leather goods. Turtle eggs and meat are also eaten and their fat used to make oil. Laws in many countries do not allow the hunting of turtles for commercial profit, however illegal poaching is still a concern. Turtle hunting is still allowed in some traditional cultures, but there is a continued risk to the survival of the species.

Marine Debris

Ingestion and entanglement can impact turtles in the wild. Damage can occur when turtles eat plastic bags and other rubbish. With a full belly, turtles can starve to death as they feel they are full. Swallowing rubbish can also lead to various digestion problems. In addition, entanglement can be a problem for turtles. If turtles get caught in lines, nets, ropes or plastic, it can restrict their movement. This can result in starvation,infection, amputation and drowning. Oil spills are also another cause for concern with sea turtles as oil and tar can be ingested. We believe that all people should stop creating rubbish, littering and toxic silt as this can end up in the ocean and waterways. All people can create less rubbish by using recyclable bags. Nontoxic products can be used in the home to prevent dangerous chemicals ending up in the ocean and waterways. We encourage you to tell your friends or family about the dangers to turtles from chemicals, littering and rubbish.

Fisheries

Many turtles have been entangled in commercial fishing nets. There are devices available that fishermen can use to keep turtles out of the nets.

Coastal Denigration and Development

Pollution and denigration of the environment can destroy the sea grass on which the turtles feed. As the coastal areas are developed, turtles may not have a familiar place to lay their eggs. Lights, noise and beach obstructions can threaten the turtles’ survival as they may not nest at all.

Predators and Other Animals

Tiger sharks can be predators of the green sea turtles by directly attacking them, causing injury or death. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom:56.25%; height:0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;}

Wildlife Warriors and the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital - Global Conservation Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors was established in 2002 by Steve and Terri Irwin as a way to include and involve other caring people to support the protection of injured, threatened or endangered wildlife. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration U.S. Department of Commerce Wildlife & Environmental Conservation Organisation - WWF When you give generously today, you become a vital part of WWF-Australia's important conservation work. Your donation will be supporting WWF's work to protect our most precious threatened species and places. The challenges are huge, but with your support and our scientific know-how, the possibility of a better future becomes more achievable every day. Department of the Environment and Energy Green turtle Marine turtles have lived in the oceans for over 100 million years. They are an integral part of the traditional culture of many coastal indigenous peoples throughout the world. Marine turtles migrate long distances between their feeding grounds and nesting sites.

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[thegrumpypenguin]

  Handsome giant checking out his reflection

  Me and my buddy

I haven’t featured too many reptiles on my calendar over the years, but ever since these guys returned to the Toronto Zoo in 2018, they have captured my heart. The three Aldabra tortoises – Queenie, Malila, and Rasputin – were first featured at our Zoo in 1975, moving on to the Forth Worth Zoo in 1999. Obviously, I must have seen them a few times in the first quarter-century they were here, but I don’t really recall. For one thing, I didn’t tend to spend a lot of time in the pavilions when I visited the Zoo before I met Sarah. I would often visit in small groups of friends and hit the “big-ticket” animals; I’ve only really been the “Zen traveller” I am now for the past decade or so. If I had understood the impact just visiting an animal and being present in the moment would have on my life when I was a younger man, there is very little doubt my path would have been entirely different. But I didn’t, it wasn’t, and I am where I am now, which is fine with me because at least I got here eventually.

Well, this is starting out so melancholy. I apologize. It’s clearly the pandemic talking.

  Rasputin and Keeper

Speaking of that, I’m afraid I don’t have nearly as much information to give you about the history of these giants at the Toronto Zoo as I would have liked. Ordinarily, when preparing for a post like this, I would visit the animals and their Keepers and see what I could draw out of them to pass along to all of you. Not being able to do that right at the moment, I have had to rely on some online digging, which has proven to be not quite as rewarding. I did manage to find a post on the Zoo’s Facebook page from April of 2018: a “Throwback Thursday” piece on when the Aldabras were first at the Zoo. If you click on the photo above (I don’t know when that was taken, but I swear I know the Keeper in it… with a lot less hair now) it will take you to that post. My “Name Book” lists their DOBs as “unknown,” so I cannot tell you with certainty how old they are, other than they are obviously at least 45. I believe the estimate is early-to-mid-50s for all of them, which means they likely are only about 1/3 of the way through their lives!

  Malila (L) and Queenie

So let’s move on to some things I can tell you! Currently there are two living species of giant tortoises: the Aldabra and the Galápagos. (The fact of the matter is it’s a bit more complicated, what with subspecies and such; check the Wiki page for “Giant tortoise” to cover this in more detail.) The Galápagos species is slightly larger than the Aldabra and can be found distributed among the various islands of the Galápagos archipelago in Ecuador. The Aldabras live mainly on the Aldabra atoll, which is found in the Seychelles island group in the Indian Ocean. This coral atoll was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, which significantly improved this species’ chances for survival, and the IUCN has listed them as Vulnerable.

  Malila (L) and Queenie and friend

During the winter, the tortoises share a huge exhibit in the African Rainforest Pavilion with the ring-tailed lemurs and a grey-necked crown crane. It’s a wonderful mixed-species exhibit, something I hope we create more of down the road, and I have been trying for over two years to catch a lemur riding a tortoise, to no avail. I’ve heard it has happened , but not that I have seen. Not giving up hope, though: it sure looked imminent on one or two occasions! The temperature in the exhibit is very carefully monitored as the tortoises, being reptiles, are ectotherms (cold-blooded) and cannot regulate their own body temperatures like the lemurs and crane can. There are a couple of hot zones, several heaters (which the lemurs also like to take advantage of, often in a “lemur ball”), and a shallow pond at the southeast corner that a tortoise will occasionally amble over to and then sit in for hours.

  Rasputin, Queenie, and Malila

Outside, they have a spectacular exhibit just south of the main entrance to the pavilion. There is a sun shelter (the cave you see in this photo), a pond, some interesting nooks and crannies to explore, and lots and lots of very tasty grass! This is an awesome place to view these amazing creatures, as the railing around the exhibit is very comfortable to lean on and quite close to the tortoises. As for the reptiles themselves, they can be quite precocious and will very often interact with their visitors – especially when called by name. As with virtually every animal I encounter at our Zoo and others, they are considerably smarter than we would think to give them credit for. They also – Rasputin in particular – can emit a sound that reminds me very much of an elderly person who has discovered something disappointing in their food. Now, I cannot for the life of me find a video to let you hear that sound, even though I am completely certain that one exists and I have seen it. I’ve checked every source I can think of but have come up empty. So if you run into me in the future, please ask me to do my impression. It’s actually not bad! Or, if you come across a video where any of the Aldabras is making the sound, please let me know. In the meantime, I do hope you enjoy this alternative video!

    Sarah and I with Malila

The Aldabra tortoises were one of the featured animals of the Zoo’s very-well-received Wild Encounters which premiered last summer. Sarah and I waited until it was warm enough for the tortoises to be out in their summer home before we booked our visit and it was an amazing experience. In the first photo on this page below Rasputin’s calendar shot, I am in the outdoor cave with him, rubbing his shell. In the shot at left, Sarah and I are taking turns interacting with Malila in the same way and, as you can see by her stance, she is loving it. Turtles and tortoises have surprisingly sensitive shells; well, I say “surprisingly” because many people probably think of those shells as if they are surrounding armour, but they are fused directly to the animals and grow with them from hatching, so they have as complex a network of nerves as really any land animal’s back. So when we “skritched” Malila on her shell near her tail, she immediately raised herself off the ground, swayed a little bit, and made very contented noises. We were able to do this for quite a while before she finally tired of it and toddler off in the general direction of the nearby pond. When the Zoo is once again at a point where they are offering the Wild Encounters, I highly recommend this one. They are all terrific, but there is something a little extra-special for me in interacting directly with the amazing creatures at the Zoo.

  Sarah and Rasputin: Then and Now

Sarah, for her part, remembers the tortoises very well from their first years in Toronto. At left is a photo of her visiting them at the age of 12 (Rasputin is in the foreground behind the glass), coupled with a shot of her patting Rasputin last summer on the Wild Encounter, which I would guess is not something she imagined happening in the first picture! He, Queenie, and Malila would all be similar sizes and weights today as they were back then, with Rasputin weighing in at over 186 kg, Queenie at 75.8 kg, and Malila at 69.3 kg. Actually, I imagine they are a bit bigger now than in that first shot, as they would only have been in their early 20s then and they don’t reach sexual maturity until about 30 years old.

Well, long-time followers will realize we’ve reached the part in my blog post where I ordinarily will post a collage of other photos and say goodbye, but I’m going to add a couple of extra treats this time. I have uncovered a few more videos of these guys – some are mine, some are from the Zoo, and one is from another source – and I will embed them all here now for you to view, or not, as you see fit. The very last one will show how the Keepers (in this case, Jenn) target train the tortoises; after that I will tell you something cool about the transport of them last summer.

    Jenn, Malila, Rasputin

Last summer, when I saw the Aldabras outside for their first time that year, I also happened to encounter their Keeper, Jenn. She was practically beaming with pride as she filled me in on how the transfer went between the indoor and outdoor exhibits for the three of them. Apparently, they had some success with Queenie and Rasputin… to be honest, I don’t remember the specific details much more than that because it was the next part that was the real story: Jenn was able to lead Malila with the target ball all the way from the indoor exhibit, outside along the walking path, and into the outdoor exhibit! Those of you who are familiar with the layout of the African Rainforest Pavilion will realize what a distance that is; for the rest of you, all I can say is that is an incredible feat for only the second year they worked together. I was very much looking forward to trying to watch that parade this summer, but I don’t know if they’ll already be moved by the time we are allowed to walk around the Zoo again as visitors. On the grand scale of disappointments during the pandemic – even just from a Zoo perspective – it doesn’t rank particularly high, but it does add to the load. If I do get to see it, you better believe there’ll be video which I will prominently display on YouTube and my Grumpy Penguin page on Facebook.

  Nictitating membrane in full view!

Speaking of my Grumpy Penguin Facebook page: I realize that there might be quite a few people reading this post who have never visited my website before, and are here because they found my FB page when I posted photos of a Scenic Safari trip at the Zoo on a Toronto Zoo “fan page” on Facebook. If this includes you, thank you for coming! I have been making these posts once or twice a month for the past few years (always on or very close to the first of the month) as kind of a “value added” feature for a calendar I have sold. I invite you to go back through my older posts on here and, if you like any of the subjects, please take a look at them. Some of them have a little more in-depth information; as I mentioned earlier, it’s been a bit tougher to create the material I really want with much of my access to the Zoo cut off for the time being. And, frankly, some of the animals I’ve featured I just happen to have had more experience with over the years and will have more stories to tell. In any event, no matter whether you are a first-timer or an early adopter, thanks for reading along with me today! Please “tune in again” next month for an extremely cute little guy who really only began to make his appearance around the same time last summer. See you there, and please: stay safe and healthy.

    Oh, all right, Sarah! Here you go. Geez…. 😉

2020 “HANGING OUT WITH ANIMALS” Calendar – June Story I haven't featured too many reptiles on my calendar over the years, but ever since these guys returned to the Toronto Zoo in 2018, they have captured my heart.

[businessguide12-blog]

20 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit (If You Love Nature & Hate Crowds)

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20 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit (If You Love Nature & Hate Crowds)

Original content owned& copyrighted by Green Global Travel.

[Updated 4/23/ 2019] Stretching from the southeastern U.S. down to the north coast of South America, the Caribbean consists of more than 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays.

Yet the vast majority of travelers seem to visit the same old hoary chestnuts( ensure: the Cayman Islands, Grand Bahama, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) for their Caribbean Islands vacation year after year.

Fortunately, most of our favorite islands have yet to succumb to the wave of mass tourismthat’s currently sweeping Europe and some of the more popular beaches in Southeast Asia.

But, for more adventurous travelers, here are our picks for 20 of the best Caribbean Islands to visit if you love nature and dislike crowds :P TAGEND

READ MORE: 30 Best Exotic Islands to Visit

EASTERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

Barbados Dominica Grenada Grenadines Maria-Galante( Guadeloupe) Montserrat Saba

SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

Aruba Curacao

WESTERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

Isla De La Juventud( Cuba) Isla HolBox( Mexico) Isla De Providencia( Columbia) Jamaica Little Corn Island Rosario Islands( Colombia) Roatan( Honduras) San Blas Islands( Panama) South Water Caye( Belize)

NORTHERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

Bahamas

EASTERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS BARBADOS

Located 100 miles east of its nearest Caribbean neighbor, Barbados offers big waves, a rugged northern coastline, and a mountainous interior that make it a haven for nature lovers. Measuring simply 17 miles long and 14 miles wide, it’s is a tiny eastern Caribbean island with a huge heart.

Start by exploring Historic Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to the Barbados Museum& Historical Society, whose collection includes artifacts from the island’s Amerindian and colonial history. You can even enter some of the old prison cells there.

In words of natural attractions, there’s the 1.4 -mile-long Harrison’s Cave, the 6.5 -acre Andromeda Botanic Gardens( featuring the largest collection of tropical plants in the eastern Caribbean ), and the Flower Forest( which is filled with flowers, birds and monkeys ).

In words of waterspouts, there’s also snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Folkestone Underwater Park& Marine Reserve, Scuba diving through sunken ships( such as the 360 -foot freighter S.S. Stavronikita ), and sailing in the trade winds off the island’s southern tip.

For a savour of true Bajan culture, head to the Friday night fish fry in the town of Oistin’s. And if you can time your visit for late July or early August, don’t miss the Crop Over Festival, the island’s most important culture celebration.

Where To Stay: Just 1 minute from the beach and overlooking Paynes Bay in St James, the Beach View Hotel is a small 36 suite self-catering hotel set on 3 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.

READ MORE: The Top 10 Things to Do in Barbados

Photo by Dejeuxx, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons CULEBRA( Puerto Rico)

Although it’s situated only 19 miles east of Puerto Rico, the smallest of the inhabited Spanish Virgin Islands feels like it’s a world away.

Seven miles long and three miles wide, with less than 3,000 residents, Culebra has virtually no nightlife to speak of.

But it does have crystal clear water with 60+ feet of visibility, gorgeous white sand beaches( Culebrita is among the best ), and the oldest lighthouse in the Caribbean.

Thanks to the establishment of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge in 1909, there are also lots of seabirds and turtles , not to mention exceptional scuba diving.

Where To Stay: Set on a private bay, the cottages at Tamarindo Estates offer ocean opinions, fully equipped kitchens, and an 1,800 -foot beach with great shelling and snorkeling.

READ MORE: The History of Caribbean& Latin American Art

Dominica’s Indian River DOMINICA

Often confused with the Dominican Republic, “The Nature Island” is 65% covered in tropical rainforest, with more than 300 miles of hiking trails.

And that’s just one of the many reasons it’s at the top of our personal listing of the best Caribbean destinations to visit. The impressive sea turtle conservation program on the island is another.

Thanks to copious rain, impressive waterfalls are everywhere, with Emerald Pool, Trafalgar Falls, and Victoria Falls all constructing it worth the hardy hikes to reach them.

Other highlightings include the Morne Trois Pitons National Park( the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern Caribbean ), snorkeling Champagne Reef( where geothermal activity makes the water warm and bubbly ), and the Kalinago Barana Aute( home of the pre-Columbian Carib people ).

Where To Stay: For amazing ocean views and private beaches check out Secret Bay , an award-winning boutique eco resort with six sustainable luxury villas.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Waterfalls in the World( World Travel Bucket List )

Image by Gary Stephen from Pixabay GRENADA

With its growing focus on sustainable development- including eco-resorts, agritourism initiatives, and innovative environmental practices- Grenada is rapidly emerging as one of the best Caribbean islands for nature lovers.

The island has introduced/ expanded its protected areas, including Levera National Park( a nesting site for Leatherback Sea Turtles) and Grand Etang Forest Preserve( which provides for birdwatching, hiking, and river tubing activities ).

If you get a chance, visit during the island’s countless cultural celebrations, which include the Grenada Chocolate Festival, Fish Fridays, and the Carriacou Maroon& String Band Music Festival.

Where To Stay: All 7 villas at Maca Bana are stylish, with hardwood decks, outdoor hot tubs, and stunning positions. It’s also home to one of Grenada’s best eateries, Aquarium, and a 3-minute walk from picturesque Magazine Beach.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Festivals in the World

Photo via CC BY-SA 3.0 THE GRENADINES

The Grenadines are comprised of 31 islands and cays stretching between St. Vincent and Grenada, with ownership and governance divided between those two countries.

But the archipelago is sparsely populated. Even the biggest of the islands- 7.1 -square mile Bequia and 12.6 -square mile Carriacou- only have around 5,000 to 6,000 permanent residents.

These remote, idyllic tropical vacation destinations are some of the most beautiful caribbean islands and are rarely visited. They offer travelers a getting-away-from-it-all experience with unspoiled beaches, endemic birds, and dazzling coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Bequia boastings beautifully forested hills in the north, as well as some impressive float dives. The Tobago Cays, which are protected as a marine park, offer some of the finest snorkeling in the Caribbean.

Union Island, a kiteboarding haven, has now been emerged as an off-the-radar adventure travel hotspot. And Carriacou teems with lively local culture, especially if you visit during Carnival.

READ MORE: St Kitts Travel Tips( A St Kitts Island Guide )

Photo by Anonymous, GFDL, CC-BY-S-A3. 0, via Wikimedia Commons MARI-AGALANTE( Guadeloupe)

Discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus and named after his flagship, Maria-Galante is a 61 -square mile island located in the Guadeloupe archipelago.

Best known for sugar production during the colonial era, the island offers a rural savor of French West Indies tranquility, with myriad farms, pristine beaches, and lagoons protected by coral reefs.

This is a place genuinely in touch with its folkloric traditions, which is one of the main reasons we consider it among the best Caribbean islands to visit.

But it can be astonishingly lively at night, when locally produced rum and “ti punch” sweetened with sugar cane bring the piano bars and nightclubs to life.

Where To Stay: Located in the very heart of a vast tropical garden, the villas, bungalows, and suites at La Rose du Bresil offer lots of space and a distinctive splash of Creole culture.

READ MORE: Caribbean Music Styles( An Overview of Caribbean Island Culture )

By David Stanley( Flickr: Little Bay, Montserrat) CC BY 2.0 MONTSERRAT

Montserrat was a showcase for the lifestyles of rich countries and famous in the’ 60 s,’ 70 s, and’ 80 s, when classic albums by icons such as Dire Straits, Duran Duran, and The Police were recorded at Sir George Martin’s AIR Studios.

But in 1995 the long-dormant Soufriere Hills volcano roared to life, destroying the capital city of Plymouth and forcing two-thirds of the local population to flee.

Now the island has been reborn as a nature sanctuary. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the island’s nine world-class rainforest hiking roads, stunning scenic coastlines, and some of very good Scuba diving the Caribbean has to offer.

Where To Stay: For beautiful sunset views and a centrally located spacious apartment check out, SeaView Suite. Noman, the owner, is happy to pick you up from the airport/ ferry and to arrange tours on his island.

READ MORE: The Best Hiking Trails( for your World Travel Bucket List )

Saba Island, photo by Richie Diesterheft- Flickr: Saba Wearing a Cap, CC BY-SA 2.0, SABA( Netherlands Antilles)

Known as “the Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean, ” this Dutch island is just a 12 -minute flight away from St. Maarten.

With a total region of 5 square miles( pop. 2,000 ), the island’s centerpiece is the aptly named Mount Scenery, which rises 2,910 feet above sea level.

Naturally, climbing and hiking the Caribbean Island’s mountain trails are among the most popular activities.

But the protected water of Saba National Marine Park also draw guests with stunning 220 -foot tall volcanic spires, dolphins, and the occasional whale sighting.

Where to Stay: With welcoming proprietors and breathtaking positions, the El Momo Cottages are an eco-friendly hideaway offering romance and relaxation in equal measure.

READ MORE: 20 Best Mountains in the World

Caribbean Islands Map

Click on the”-” symbol on the map( 10 x) to zoom out to see a map of the Caribbean Islands.

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WESTERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD( Cuba)

Located approximately 31 miles south of Cuba, Isla de la Juventud( translation: Isle of Youth) was known as the Isle of Pines until 1978. Much of the western caribbean island is covered in lush pine forests, and lumber extraction remains a big business in the area.

Encompassing around 850 square miles, it’s the largest of the 350 islands in Cuba’s Canarreos Archipelago and the seventh-largest in the West Indies. But it only has a population of around 86,000 people, most of whom reside in the northern city of Nueva Gerona and the central city of Santa Fe.

The island’s intriguing ecotourism attractions include the beautiful water and beach of Playa Paraiso, the rare Cuban Crocodile, and a cave complex near Punta del Este that features more than 200 ancient indigenous cave drawings.

Referred to as “Cuba’s Hidden Treasure, ” Isla de la Juventud also offers numerous hiking trails lined with animals and plant life and some of the best snorkeling and Scuba diving in the Caribbean.

READ MORE: The Best Places to Scuba Dive( World Travel Bucket List )

Sunset at Villas Flamingos ISLA HOLBOX( Mexico)

Located about 40 minutes northwest of Cancun( around 3 hours by bus from the airport ), Holbox Island is a tiny fishing village that’s developing into a haven for ecotourism in the Caribbean.

The island is separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon that offer sanctuary to thousands of herons, flamingoes and numerous endangered species.

Golf carts are the most common form of transportation- no autoes permitted- with Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve and Isla Pajaros( Bird Island) ensuring you’ll assure more animals than people.

But the island’s big depict is the annual afuera, a gathering of hundreds of massive whale sharks who come to feed off the Yucatan Peninsula coast every June to September. Swimming with whale sharks was one of the most incredible escapades my daughter and I have had together.

Where To Stay: Read reviews of the 15 Best Isla Holbox Hotels and Resorts here.

READ MORE: Isla Holbox Mexico( the Hidden Gem of Quintana Roo )

Manzanillo Beach on Providencia Island, photo by Luis Barreto via CC BY-SA 2.0 ISLA DE PROVIDENCIA( Colombia)

Situated in the Caribbean Sea between Costa Rica and Jamaica, Providencia is part of a Colombia-owned archipelago situated 482 miles northwest of the mainland.

The mountainous island( which has a maximum elevation 1181 feet) was the site of an English Puritan colony that was originally founded in 1629. But Isla de la Providencia was best-known as the base for Welsh pirate Henry Morgan, who eventually became Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica.

Local rumors suggest that some of the treasure that Morgan( most famous as the face of Captain Morgan Rum) and his humen pillaged during their many raids on Spanish ships remain buried here.

History devotees will enjoy exploring the various forts and cannons that can be found scattered on neighboring Santa Catalina Island, which is accessible via a footbridge. Visitors can also snorkel the island’s impressively pristine coral reef system.

READ MORE: St. Thomas Islands( Outdoor Adventures on Cas Cay )

Photo courtesy of Blue Hole Mineral Spring JAMAICA

” But wait ,” I can hear you saying.” Isn’t Jamaica the epitome of overtourism in the Caribbean ?”

Of course, if you stick to mass tourism caribbean vacation spots such as Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios, the answer is yes. But once you venture outside these meccas for sunlight/ sand/ surf worshippers, Jamaica has plenty to offer those attempting the sanctuary of nature.

The Blue Mountains are best known for growing some of the best coffee in the world. But they also offer fantastic hiking, with lots of endemic flora and fauna and stunning views from the 7,402 -foot summit.

The southwestern parish of St Elizabeth is far off the typical tourist way. Outdoor activities there include swimming at Treasure Beach, looking for Crocodiles on a Black River Safari Tour, and spending a day at YS Falls( which is a lot less crowded than those at Dunn’s River ).

Elsewhere on the island, you can bathe in the Blue Hole Mineral Spring( Westmoreland ), visit Frenchman’s Cove and the Blue Lagoon( Portland ), or try surfing in St. Thomas.

Where to Stay: Between Jamaica’s northeast coast and the majestic Blue Mountains, Mocking Bird Hill is a romantic 4-star 10 room eco boutique hotel where you can stroll through 6.5 acres of botanically diverse gardens.

READ MORE: Top 20 Things to do in Jamaica for Nature Lover

Photo courtesy Yemaya Island Hideaway LITTLE CORN ISLAND( Nicaragua)

With a distinctive Creole culture that incorporates African, Indian, and Spanish roots, this tiny island 43 miles off the coast of Central America feels more Caribbean than Nicaraguan.

There are four different languages spoken on Little Corn Island– Creole, English, Miskito, and Spanish- and there are no automobiles or roads whatsoever.

Originally known as a backpacker’s haven, the beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling/ Scuba diving in this pristine paradise have attracted more upscale ecotourists in recent years.

Thankfully, despite the gradual uptick in visitors, the remote island remains unspoiled by mass tourism development.

Where To Stay: Named one of the top hotels of 2014 by Forbes, Yemaya Island Hideaway is a 16 -cabana eco-resort offering a serious yoga program, farm-to-table food, and a peaceful atmosphere of laid-back luxury.

READ MORE: 10 Off the Beaten Path Eco Tourist Destinations

A Lazy Day in the Rosario Islands ROSARIO ISLANDS( Colombia)

Located simply a 45 -minute boat ride away from the historic city of Cartagena, this little-known treasure is an archipelago comprised of 30 small islands.

The islands are part of the Corales Islas del Rosario Natural National Park, which was created to protect 4,633 square miles of reefs, ocean grass, and mangroves( and the aquatic species that occupy them ).

As you might expect, the snorkeling and Scuba diving there is superb. But you can have an equally astonishing period only curling up in a hammock with a stiff drinking, watching the spectacular sunset over the sea.

Where To Stay: Blending elegant sophistication and laid-back simplicity, Coralina Isla Boutique is a quiet, foodie-friendly paradise.

READ MORE: The Best Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia

Photo by WestBrownCanada via CC BY-SA 3.0 ROATAN( Honduras)

Situated approximately 40 miles off the country’s northern coast, Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras.

The sleepy island’s population is primarily a mixture of Cayman Islanders( who came over after Britain abolished slavery in 1838 ), Mestizo migrants from the mainland, and entrepreneurs and expats from the US, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.

Roatan’s cities can be a bit more on the bustling side than some of the other islands on this list. But there are also gorgeous remote beaches, wildlife refuges, and mangrove woods to explore.

But the main reason to visit Roatan is the fact that the island sits immediately atop the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest reef system in the world. So the snorkeling and Scuba diving here are easily among the best in the Caribbean.

READ MORE: The 16 Best Mayan Ruins to Explore

SAN BLAS ISLANDS( Panama)

The San Blas archipelago encompasses a whopping 378 islands and cays, stretching approximately 200 miles along the Caribbean coast of Panama.

Most of these impressively pristine islands have few roads and even fewer people. Many of the islands are ringed by healthy coral reef and gorgeous water, which has stimulated them increasingly popular amongst Scuba divers and sailing enthusiasts.

The 49 San Blas Islands that are inhabited are largely home to the Kuna Indians, a semiautonomous tribe that was driven from the mainland during the Spanish invasion. Many Kuna still practice the ancient traditions of their ancestors, including the crafting of brightly colored, appliqued cloths known as molas.

In addition to learning about their indigenous culture, other popular activities in the area include snorkeling the pacify water of Cayos Limones and Cayos Holandeses.

READ MORE: Exploring Coiba Island& Coiba National Park, Panama

SOUTH WATER CAYE( Belize)

From gorgeous white sand beaches lined with palm trees and hammocks to brilliant waters colored in dazzling tints of blue, this 15 -acre island is a picture-perfect testament to the beauty of Belize’s cayes.

Located approximately 14 miles off the coast of Dangriga, South Water Caye is accessible by boat or a quick flight. But its idyllic, relatively pristine romantic allure feels far removed from the tourism development of mainland Belize.

The island’s greatest attraction for nature lovers is its remarkable proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, which is part of the world’s second largest reef system after Australia‘s Great Barrier Reef.

Snorkeling right off the beach sets you in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, which boasts an impressive array of marine life, including Rainbow Parrotfish, Reef Sharks, Moray Eels, and Spotted Light. If you get opportunity, don’t miss a chance to go on a nighttime diving or snorkeling tour: The reef’s colors truly come alive after dark!

If you’re not a fan of snorkeling or Scuba diving, you are able to go birdwatching on the aptly-named Bird Islands, try kayaking or paddle boarding, or search for the curious Manatees that frequent nearby Man Of War Caye.

READ MORE: The Ancient Xunantunich Mayan Ruins of Belize

SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS ARUBA

The “A” in the ABC islands of the Netherlands Antilles( which also include Bonaire and Curacao ), Aruba is not what most people expect from a Caribbean hotspot.

Sure, there’s perfect weather, friendly people, stunning beaches that have been named among the most beautiful beaches in the world, and postcard-worthy ocean opinions nearly everywhere you turn.

But the tiny southern caribbean island( 19.6 miles long and 6 miles wide) also features windswept trees and rugged shorelines on the northeast coast, and dramatic stone formations and desert-like landscape in the interior.

Animal devotees will enjoy the Bubali Bird Sanctuary( which provides breeding grounds for more than 80 species of migratory birds ), the Aruba Ostrich Farm( offering shut encounters with the world’s largest bird species ), and Aruba’s Butterfly Farm( which has educational exhibits on the miracle of metamorphosis and offers excellent photo opportunity ).

For outdoor adventures, the hiking trails at Arikok National Park feature lava formations and ancient Arawak art.

Climbing the Casibari Rock Formation provides breathtaking positions of Aruba’s landscape. And caves along the coast feature stalagmites and stalactites, as well as a colony of bats( in Guadirikiri Cave) and Arawak Indian draws( in the Fontein Cave ).

READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Aruba for Nature Devotee

Rare Deer in St Christoffel National Park CURACAO

Curacao is a curious country- as colorful as any of its Caribbean neighbors, but with a distinctive personality all its own. This is partly due to its place 40 miles from Venezuela, partly due to its ownership by the Netherlands, and partly due to its complex history.

You won’t want to miss the the capital city of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 500 years of history includes the 17 th century Fort Amsterdam, Mikve Israel Emmanuel Synagogue( the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere ), the Queen Emma and Queen Juliana Bridges, and the excellent slavery-focused Museum Kura Hulanda.

In words of natural attractions, start with hiking in St. Christoffel and Shete Boka National Parks. St. Christoffel features hiking roads leading to Curacao’s highest point( 1,292 feet ); wildlife such as the rare White-tailed Deer; and ancient Arawak cave paints. Shete Boka offers a natural bridge, blowholes, and caves that serve as Sea Turtle breeding grounds.

You can also explore the island’s cactus-strewn backcountry via an ATV or Jeep safari, try an undersea escapade with Substation Curacao( which takes visitors 1,000 feet beneath the waves ), or Scuba dive world-renowned sites such as the Tugboat and the Blue Room.

READ MORE: Top 10 Things to Do in Curacao for Nature Lover

NORTHERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS Pirate’s Trap Beach STANIEL CAY( Bahamas)

This tiny 2-square mile island, with a population of just 110, is an under-the-radar ecotourism haven in the remote Exumas. And that’s precisely what make-ups it one of the best Caribbean islands to visit.

With simply two hotels, a restaurant/ bar, and a marina, there’s not much action in sleepy Staniel Cay to attract the cruise ship crowd.

But for nature lovers, there’s the picturesque Thunderball Grotto( featured in the 1965 James Bond film ), the famous swimming swine of Major Cay, sailing, and scuba diving in impossibly blue waters.

If that’s all a little too much activity for you, there are also several perfect little beaches without a single soul in sight.

Where To Stay: Built by Staniel Cay aborigines on their family’s ancestral lands, Embrace Resort is the area’s first sustainable eco resort. -Bret Love; photos by Bret Love& Mary Gabbett unless otherwise noted

FAQS What is the Caribbean?

Located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and North America , north of South America and east of Central America, the Caribbean is comprised of the Caribbean Sea, the islands within it and even some islands in the Atlantic Ocean( Bahamas& Bermuda ). Because of political and cultural connects, the Caribbean also includes the mainland countries of Belize, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

The enormous 1.06 million square miles of the Caribbean archipelago is divided into regions: the Lucayan Archipelago, the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles and the ABC Islands.

Lucayan Archipelago: The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Greater Antilles: Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.

The Lesser Antilles: This island group is divided into the Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands, and the ABC Islands.

Leeward Islands: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Saba, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, Saint Kitts and Nevis, US Virgin Islands.

Windward Islands: Barbados, Dominica, Greeda, Martinique, Saint Lucia, St.Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago

ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao.

What continent is the Caribbean in?

The Caribbean is in the continent of North America.

What are the Caribbean Islands?

There are more than 700 Caribbean Islands, but most of the islands are uninhabited.

These are the Caribbean Islands with the most significant populations: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Netherlands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent, the Grenadines, Sint Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States Virgin Islands.

How many countries are in the Caribbean?

There are 26 independent countries and other territories in the Caribbean.

Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, Netherlands, Antilles, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Kitts& Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent, Trinidad& Tobago, Turks& Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands.

The post 20 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit( If You Love Nature& Hate Crowds ) seemed first on Green Global Travel.

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20 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit (If You Love Nature & Hate Crowds)

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20 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit (If You Love Nature & Hate Crowds)

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[Updated 4/23/ 2019] Stretching from the southeastern U.S. down to the north coast of South America, the Caribbean consists of more than 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays.

Yet the vast majority of travelers seem to visit the same old hoary chestnuts( ensure: the Cayman Islands, Grand Bahama, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) for their Caribbean Islands vacation year after year.

Fortunately, most of our favorite islands have yet to succumb to the wave of mass tourismthat’s currently sweeping Europe and some of the most popular beaches in Southeast Asia.

But, for more adventurous travelers, here are our pickings for 20 of the best Caribbean Islands to visit if you love nature and hate crowds :P TAGEND

READ MORE: 30 Best Exotic Islands to Visit

EASTERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

Barbados Dominica Grenada Grenadines Maria-Galante( Guadeloupe) Montserrat Saba

SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

Aruba Curacao

WESTERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

Isla De La Juventud( Cuba) Isla HolBox( Mexico) Isla De Providencia( Columbia) Jamaica Little Corn Island Rosario Islands( Colombia) Roatan( Honduras) San Blas Islands( Panama) South Water Caye( Belize)

NORTHERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

Bahamas

EASTERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS BARBADOS

Located 100 miles east of its nearest Caribbean neighbor, Barbados offers big waves, a rugged northern coastline, and a mountainous interior that make it a haven for nature lovers. Measuring simply 17 miles long and 14 miles broad, it’s is a tiny eastern Caribbean island with a huge heart.

Start by exploring Historic Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to the Barbados Museum& Historical Society, whose collecting includes artifacts from the island’s Amerindian and colonial history. You can even enter some of the old prison cells there.

In words of natural attractions, there’s the 1.4 -mile-long Harrison’s Cave, the 6.5 -acre Andromeda Botanic Gardens( featuring the largest collecting of tropical plants in the eastern Caribbean ), and the Flower Forest( which is now being filled with flowers, birds and monkeys ).

In words of waterspouts, there’s also snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Folkestone Underwater Park& Marine Reserve, Scuba diving through sunken ships( such as the 360 -foot freighter S.S. Stavronikita ), and sailing in the trade winds off the island’s southern tip.

For a taste of true Bajan culture, head to the Friday night fish fry in the town of Oistin’s. And if you are able to time your visit for late July or early August, don’t miss the Crop Over Festival, the island’s most important culture celebration.

Where To Bide: Merely 1 minute from the beach and overlooking Paynes Bay in St James, the Beach View Hotel is a small 36 suite self-catering hotel set on 3 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.

READ MORE: The Top 10 Things to Do in Barbados

Photo by Dejeuxx, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons CULEBRA( Puerto Rico)

Although it’s situated simply 19 miles east of Puerto Rico, the smallest of the inhabited Spanish Virgin Islands feels like it’s a world away.

Seven miles long and three miles wide, with less than 3,000 residents, Culebra has virtually no nightlife to speak of.

But it does have crystal clear water with 60+ feet of visibility, gorgeous white sand beaches( Culebrita is among the best ), and the oldest lighthouse in the Caribbean.

Thanks to the establishment of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge in 1909, there are also lots of seabirds and turtles , not to mention exceptional scuba diving.

Where To Remain: Decide on a private bay, the bungalows at Tamarindo Estates offer ocean views, fully equipped kitchens, and an 1,800 -foot beach with great shelling and snorkeling.

READ MORE: The History of Caribbean& Latin American Art

Dominica’s Indian River DOMINICA

Often confused with the Dominican Republic, “The Nature Island” is 65% covered in tropical rainforest, with more than 300 miles of hiking trails.

And that’s just one of the many reasons it’s at the top of our personal list of the best Caribbean destinations to visit. The impressive sea turtle preservation program on the island is another.

Thanks to copious rainfall, impressive waterfalls are everywhere, with Emerald Pool, Trafalgar Falls, and Victoria Falls all attaining it worth the hardy hikes to reach them.

Other highlightings include the Morne Trois Pitons National Park( the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern Caribbean ), snorkeling Champagne Reef( where geothermal activity constructs the water warm and bubbly ), and the Kalinago Barana Aute( home of the pre-Columbian Carib people ).

Where To Stay: For amazing ocean views and private beaches check out Secret Bay , an award-winning boutique eco resort with six sustainable luxury villas.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Waterfalls in the World( World Travel Bucket List )

Image by Gary Stephen from Pixabay GRENADA

With its growing focus on sustainable development- including eco-resorts, agritourism initiatives, and innovative environmental practises- Grenada is rapidly emerging as one of the best Caribbean islands for nature lovers.

The island has introduced/ expanded its protected areas, including Levera National Park( a nesting site for Leatherback Sea Turtles) and Grand Etang Forest Preserve( which offers birdwatching, hiking, and river tubing activities ).

If you get a chance, visit during the island’s countless cultural celebrations, which include the Grenada Chocolate Festival, Fish Fridays, and the Carriacou Maroon& String Band Music Festival.

Where To Bide: All 7 villas at Maca Bana are stylish, with hardwood decks, outdoor hot tub, and stunning positions. It’s also home to one of Grenada’s best eateries, Aquarium, and a 3-minute walking from picturesque Magazine Beach.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Celebrations in the World

Photo via CC BY-SA 3.0 THE GRENADINES

The Grenadines are comprised of 31 islands and cays stretching between St. Vincent and Grenada, with ownership and governance divided between those two countries.

But the archipelago is sparsely populated. Even the biggest of the islands- 7.1 -square mile Bequia and 12.6 -square mile Carriacou- only have around 5,000 to 6,000 permanent residents.

These remote, idyllic tropical vacation destinations are some of the most beautiful caribbean islands and are rarely visited. They offer travelers a getting-away-from-it-all experience with unspoiled beaches, endemic birds, and dazzling coral reef teeming with marine life.

Bequia boasts beautifully forested hills in the north, as well as some impressive float dives. The Tobago Cays, which are protected as a marine park, offer some of the finest snorkeling in the Caribbean.

Union Island, a kiteboarding haven, has recently emerged as an off-the-radar adventure travelling hotspot. And Carriacou teems with lively local culture, especially if you visit during Carnival.

READ MORE: St Kitts Travel Tips( A St Kitts Island Guide )

Photo by Anonymous, GFDL, CC-BY-S-A3. 0, via Wikimedia Commons MARI-AGALANTE( Guadeloupe)

Discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus and named after his flagship, Maria-Galante is a 61 -square mile island located in the Guadeloupe archipelago.

Best known for sugar production during the colonial epoch, the island offers a rural savor of French West Indies tranquility, with myriad farms, pristine beaches, and lagoons protected by coral reefs.

This is a place genuinely in touch with its folkloric traditions, which is one of the main reasons we consider it among the best Caribbean islands to visit.

But it can be astonishingly lively at night, when locally produced rum and “ti punch” sweetened with sugar cane bring the piano bars and nightclubs to life.

Where To Remain: Located in the heart of a vast tropical garden, the villas, bungalows, and suites at La Rose du Bresil offer lots of space and a distinctive splash of Creole culture.

READ MORE: Caribbean Music Styles( An Overview of Caribbean Island Culture )

By David Stanley( Flickr: Little Bay, Montserrat) CC BY 2.0 MONTSERRAT

Montserrat was a showcase for the lifestyles of rich countries and famous in the’ 60 s,’ 70 s, and’ 80 s, when classic albums by icons such as Dire Straits, Duran Duran, and The Police were recorded at Sir George Martin’s AIR Studios.

But in 1995 the long-dormant Soufriere Hills volcano roared to life, destroying the capital city of Plymouth and forcing two-thirds of the local population to flee.

Now the island has been reborn as a nature sanctuary. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the island’s nine world-class rainforest hiking trails, stunning scenic coastlines, and some of the best Scuba diving the Caribbean has to offer.

Where To Bide: For beautiful sunset views and a centrally located spacious apartment check out, SeaView Suite. Noman, the owner, is happy to picking you up from the airport/ ferry and to arrange tours on his island.

READ MORE: The Best Hiking Trails( for your World Travel Bucket List )

Saba Island, photo by Richie Diesterheft- Flickr: Saba Wearing a Cap, CC BY-SA 2.0, SABA( Netherlands Antilles)

Known as “the Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean, ” this Dutch island is just a 12 -minute flight away from St. Maarten.

With a total region of 5 square miles( pop. 2,000 ), the island’s centerpiece is the aptly named Mount Scenery, which rises 2,910 feet above sea level.

Naturally, climbing and hiking the Caribbean Island’s mountain trails are among the most popular activities.

But the protected water of Saba National Marine Park also draw visitors with stunning 220 -foot tall volcanic pinnacles, dolphins, and the occasional whale sighting.

Where to Stay: With welcoming proprietors and breathtaking opinions, the El Momo Cottages are an eco-friendly hideaway offering romance and relaxation in equal measure.

READ MORE: 20 Best Mountain in the World

Caribbean Islands Map

Click on the”-” symbol on the map( 10 x) to zoom out to see a map of the Caribbean Islands.

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WESTERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD( Cuba)

Located approximately 31 miles south of Cuba, Isla de la Juventud( translation: Isle of Youth) was known as the Isle of Pines until 1978. Much of the countries of the western caribbean island is covered in lush pine forests, and lumber extraction remains a big business in the area.

Encompassing around 850 square miles, it’s the largest of the 350 islands in Cuba’s Canarreos Archipelago and the seventh-largest in the West Indies. But it only has a population of around 86,000 people, most of whom reside in the northern city of Nueva Gerona and the central city of Santa Fe.

The island’s intriguing ecotourism attractions include the beautiful water and beach of Playa Paraiso, the rare Cuban Crocodile, and a cave complex near Punta del Este that features more than 200 ancient indigenous cave drawings.

Referred to as “Cuba’s Hidden Treasure, ” Isla de la Juventud also offers numerous hiking roads lined with animals and plant life and some of the best snorkeling and Scuba diving in the Caribbean.

READ MORE: The Best Places to Scuba Dive( World Travel Bucket List )

Sunset at Villas Flamingos ISLA HOLBOX( Mexico)

Located about 40 minutes northwest of Cancun( around 3 hours by bus from the airport ), Holbox Island is a tiny angling village that’s developing into a haven for ecotourism in the Caribbean.

The island is separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon that offer sanctuary to thousands of herons, flamingoes and numerous endangered species.

Golf carts are the most common form of transportation- no vehicles allowed- with Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve and Isla Pajaros( Bird Island) ensuring you’ll find more animals than people.

But the island’s big draw is the annual afuera, a assemble of hundreds of massive whale sharks who come to feed off the Yucatan Peninsula coast every June to September. Swimming with whale sharks was one of the most incredible escapades my daughter and I have had together.

Where To Stay: Read reviews of the 15 Best Isla Holbox Hotels and Resort here.

READ MORE: Isla Holbox Mexico( the Hidden Gem of Quintana Roo )

Manzanillo Beach on Providencia Island, photo by Luis Barreto via CC BY-SA 2.0 ISLA DE PROVIDENCIA( Colombia)

Situated in the Caribbean Sea between Costa Rica and Jamaica, Providencia is part of a Colombia-owned archipelago situated 482 miles northwest of the mainland.

The mountainous island( which has a maximum elevation 1181 feet) was the site of an English Puritan colony that was originally founded in 1629. But Isla de la Providencia was best-known as the base for Welsh pirate Henry Morgan, who eventually became Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica.

Local rumors suggest that some of the treasure that Morgan( most famous as the face of Captain Morgan Rum) and his men pillaged during their many raids on Spanish ships remain buried here.

History lovers will enjoy exploring the various forts and guns that can be found scattered on neighboring Santa Catalina Island, which is accessible via a footbridge. Visitors can also snorkel the island’s impressively pristine coral reef system.

READ MORE: St. Thomas Islands( Outdoor Adventures on Cas Cay )

Photo courtesy of Blue Hole Mineral Spring JAMAICA

” But wait ,” I can hear you saying.” Isn’t Jamaica the epitome of overtourism in the Caribbean ?”

Of course, if you stick to mass tourism caribbean vacation spots such as Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios, the answer is yes. But once you venture outside these meccas for sun/ sand/ surf worshippers, Jamaica has plenty to offer those seeking the sanctuary of nature.

The Blue Mountains are best known for growing some of the best coffee in the world. But they also offer fantastic hiking, with lots of endemic flora and fauna and stunning views from the 7,402 -foot summit.

The southwestern parish of St Elizabeth is far off the typical tourist way. Outdoor activities there include swimming at Treasure Beach, looking for Crocodiles on a Black River Safari Tour, and spending a day at YS Falls( which is a lot less crowded than those at Dunn’s River ).

Elsewhere on the island, you are able to bathe in the Blue Hole Mineral Spring( Westmoreland ), visit Frenchman’s Cove and the Blue Lagoon( Portland ), or try surfing in St. Thomas.

Where to Stay: Between Jamaica’s northeast coast and the majestic Blue Mountains, Mocking Bird Hill is a romantic 4-star 10 room eco boutique hotel where you can saunter through 6.5 acres of botanically diverse gardens.

READ MORE: Top 20 Things to do in Jamaica for Nature Lovers

Photo courtesy Yemaya Island Hideaway LITTLE CORN ISLAND( Nicaragua)

With a distinctive Creole culture that incorporates African, Indian, and Spanish roots, this tiny island 43 miles off the coast of Central America feels more Caribbean than Nicaraguan.

There are four different languages spoken on Little Corn Island– Creole, English, Miskito, and Spanish- and there are no autoes or roads whatsoever.

Originally known as a backpacker’s haven, the beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling/ Scuba diving in this pristine paradise have attracted more upscale ecotourists in recent years.

Thankfully, despite the gradual uptick in guests, the remote island remains unspoiled by mass tourism development.

Where To Remain: Named one of the top hotels of 2014 by Forbes, Yemaya Island Hideaway is a 16 -cabana eco-resort offering a serious yoga program, farm-to-table food, and a peaceful atmosphere of laid-back luxury.

READ MORE: 10 Off the Beaten Path Eco Tourist Destinations

A Lazy Day in the Rosario Islands ROSARIO ISLANDS( Colombia)

Located merely a 45 -minute boat ride away from the historic city of Cartagena, this little-known gem is an archipelago comprised of 30 small islands.

The islands are part of the Corales Islas del Rosario Natural National Park, which was created to protect 4,633 square miles of reefs, sea grass, and mangroves( and the aquatic species that inhabit them ).

As you might expect, the snorkeling and Scuba diving here are superb. But you can have an equally amazing hour merely curling up in a hammock with a stiff drinking, watching the spectacular sundown over the sea.

Where To Remain: Blending elegant sophistication and laid-back simplicity, Coralina Isla Boutique is a quiet, foodie-friendly paradise.

READ MORE: The Best Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia

Photo by WestBrownCanada via CC BY-SA 3.0 ROATAN( Honduras)

Situated approximately 40 miles off the country’s northern coast, Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras.

The sleepy island’s population is mainly a mixture of Cayman Islanders( who came over after Britain abolished slavery in 1838 ), Mestizo migrants from the mainland, and entrepreneurs and expats from the US, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.

Roatan’s cities can be a bit more on the bustling side than some of the other islands on such lists. But there are also gorgeous remote beaches, wildlife refuges, and mangrove woodlands to explore.

But the main reason to visit Roatan is the fact that the island sits directly atop the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest reef system in the world. So the snorkeling and Scuba diving here are easily among the best in the Caribbean.

READ MORE: The 16 Best Mayan Ruins to Explore

SAN BLAS ISLANDS( Panama)

The San Blas archipelago encompasses a whopping 378 islands and cays, stretching approximately 200 miles along the Caribbean coast of Panama.

Most of these impressively pristine islands have few roads and even fewer people. Many of the islands are ringed by healthy coral reef and gorgeous water, which has attained them increasingly popular amongst Scuba divers and sailing enthusiasts.

The 49 San Blas Islands that are inhabited are largely home to the Kuna Indians, a semiautonomous tribe that was driven from the mainland during the Spanish invasion. Many Kuna still practice the ancient traditions of their ancestors, including the crafting of brightly colored, appliqued cloths known as molas.

In addition to learning about their indigenous culture, other popular activities in the area include snorkeling the calm waters of Cayos Limones and Cayos Holandeses.

READ MORE: Exploring Coiba Island& Coiba National Park, Panama

SOUTH WATER CAYE( Belize)

From gorgeous white sand beaches lined with palm trees and hammocks to brilliant water colored in dazzling shades of blue, this 15 -acre island is a picture-perfect testament to the beauty of Belize’s cayes.

Located approximately 14 miles off the coast of Dangriga, South Water Caye is accessible by boat or a quick flight. But its idyllic, relatively pristine romantic allure feels far removed from the tourism development of mainland Belize.

The island’s greatest attraction for nature fans is its remarkable proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, which is part of the world’s second largest reef system after Australia‘s Great Barrier Reef.

Snorkeling right off the beach puts you in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, which boasts an impressive array of marine life, including Rainbow Parrotfish, Reef Sharks, Moray Eels, and Spotted Rays. If you get chance, don’t miss a chance to go on a nighttime diving or snorkeling tour: The reef’s colours actually come alive after dark!

If you’re not a fan of snorkeling or Scuba diving, you can also run birdwatching on the aptly-named Bird Islands, try kayaking or paddle boarding, or search for the curious Manatees that frequent nearby Man Of War Caye.

READ MORE: The Ancient Xunantunich Mayan Ruins of Belize

SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS ARUBA

The “A” in the ABC islands of the Netherlands Antilles( which also include Bonaire and Curacao ), Aruba is not what most people expect from a Caribbean hotspot.

Sure, there’s perfect weather, friendly people, stunning beaches that have been named among the most beautiful beaches in the world, and postcard-worthy ocean opinions nearly everywhere you turn.

But the tiny southern caribbean island( 19.6 miles long and 6 miles broad) also features windswept trees and rugged shorelines on the northeast coast, and dramatic boulder formations and desert-like scenery in the interior.

Animal fans will enjoy the Bubali Bird Sanctuary( which provides breeding grounds for more than 80 species of migratory birds ), the Aruba Ostrich Farm( offering close encounters with the world’s largest bird species ), and Aruba’s Butterfly Farm( which has educational exhibits on the miracle of metamorphosis and offers excellent photo opportunities ).

For outdoor adventures, the hiking roads at Arikok National Park feature lava formations and ancient Arawak art.

Climbing the Casibari Rock Formation provides breathtaking positions of Aruba’s landscape. And caves along the coast feature stalagmites and stalactites, as well as a colony of at-bats( in Guadirikiri Cave) and Arawak Indian draws( in the Fontein Cave ).

READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Aruba for Nature Lovers

Rare Deer in St Christoffel National park CURACAO

Curacao is a curious country- as colorful as any of its Caribbean neighbors, but with a distinctive personality all its own. This is partly due to its location 40 miles from Venezuela, partly due to its ownership by the Netherlands, and partly due to its complex history.

You won’t want to miss the the capital city of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 500 years of history includes the 17 th century Fort Amsterdam, Mikve Israel Emmanuel Synagogue( the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere ), the Queen Emma and Queen Juliana Bridges, and the excellent slavery-focused Museum Kura Hulanda.

In terms of natural attractions, start with hiking in St. Christoffel and Shete Boka National Parks. St. Christoffel features hiking roads leading to Curacao’s highest point( 1,292 feet ); wildlife such as the rare White-tailed Deer; and ancient Arawak cave paintings. Shete Boka offers a natural bridge, blowholes, and caves that serve as Sea Turtle breeding grounds.

You can also explore the island’s cactus-strewn backcountry via an ATV or Jeep safari, try an undersea adventure with Substation Curacao( which takes guests 1,000 feet beneath the waves ), or Scuba dive world-renowned sites such as the Tugboat and the Blue Room.

READ MORE: Top 10 Things to Do in Curacao for Nature Lovers

NORTHERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS Pirate’s Trap Beach STANIEL CAY( Bahamas)

This tiny 2-square mile island, with a population of simply 110, is an under-the-radar ecotourism haven in the remote Exumas. And that’s precisely what stimulates it one of the best Caribbean islands to visit.

With just two hotels, a restaurant/ bar, and a marina, there’s not much action in sleepy Staniel Cay to attract the cruise ship crowd.

But for nature lovers, there’s the picturesque Thunderball Grotto( featured in the 1965 James Bond film ), the famous swimming pigs of Major Cay, sailing, and scuba diving in impossibly blue waters.

If that’s all a little too much activity for you, there are also several perfect little beaches without a single spirit in sight.

Where To Stay: Built by Staniel Cay natives on their family’s ancestral lands, Embrace Resort is the area’s first sustainable eco resort. -Bret Love; photos by Bret Love& Mary Gabbett unless otherwise noted

FAQS What is the Caribbean?

Located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and North America , north of South America and east of Central America, the Caribbean is comprised of the Caribbean Sea, the islands within it and even some islands in the Atlantic Ocean( Bahamas& Bermuda ). Because of political and cultural connections, the Caribbean also includes the mainland countries of Belize, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

The enormous 1.06 million square miles of the Caribbean archipelago is divided into regions: the Lucayan Archipelago, the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles and the ABC Islands.

Lucayan Archipelago: The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Greater Antilles: Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.

The Lesser Antilles: This island group is divided into the Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands, and the ABC Islands.

Leeward Islands: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Saba, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, Saint Kitts and Nevis, US Virgin Islands.

Windward Islands: Barbados, Dominica, Greeda, Martinique, Saint Lucia, St.Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago

ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao.

What continent is the Caribbean in?

The Caribbean is in the continent of North America.

What are the Caribbean Islands?

There are more than 700 Caribbean Islands, but most of the islands are uninhabited.

These are the Caribbean Islands with the most significant populations: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Netherlands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent, the Grenadines, Sint Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States Virgin Islands.

How many countries are in the Caribbean?

There are 26 independent countries and other territories in the Caribbean.

Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, Netherlands, Antilles, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Kitts& Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent, Trinidad& Tobago, Turks& Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands.

The post 20 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit( If You Love Nature& Hate Crowds ) appeared first on Green Global Travel.

Read more: greenglobaltravel.com

[krohn-animation-blog]

Refined Beats

1) little fish swimming around scared in (zoom in establishing shot to capture the vastness of the area and see all of the environment that fish is in)

2) little fish bumps into the bottle while swimming around, nervous and not paying attention, he is startled by the green bottle

3) The little fish is looking in awe at the bottle when a whale swims far above him, spooking him to swim into the bottle while the massive creature blocks out the sunlight briefly

4) From within the bottle, the fish finds safety and connects the bottle with such

5) There are short clips of the fish choosing the bottle over making friends and swimming off to find food further establish the deep connection with the safety of the bottle and the fear of leaving

6) the little fish gets distracted one day by a small, shiny particle floating in the water. It glows from outside of the bottle, and he is so intrigued by its light that he ventures after it

7) it does not take long for the fish, entranced with this small light, to become lost

8) He frantically searches for his bottle, only to encounter other sealife transformed by various types of garbage and pollution

9) In his searching he swims right in front of a huge, scarred, great white shark

10) The shark gives chase of the plump little fish, and the petrified litle guy desparately tries it get away

11) The fish finally breaks free of the chase when he finds cuases the shark to swim through a field of floating plastic bags, enabling him blind

12) The panting fish, seemingly about to cry, swims sadly towards a crumbling coral reef to seek out someone that can help him.

13) The fish meets an old, wise turtle that has his shell distorted by a plastic six pack ring, giving his shell an hourglass shape

14) The fish tells the turtle of his bottle, and the turtle briefly speaks about how many bottle he has seen in his life, some green, blue, broke, whole, but to find a single bottle in the ocean would be an almost impossible task

15) PERHAPS HAVE GIANT SQUID INTERRUPT AND SCATTER ALL THE FISH TO CAUSE THE LITTLE FISH TO SWIM AWAY???

16) Hope lost, the fish swims to a patch of seaweed, riddle in addition with cloth, plastic and similar looking trash that have integrated into the seaweed

17) The fish looks out through the weeds off into the distance at the vast expanse of ocean before him, defeated

18) A flicker of green light off in the distance attracts his attention, and his eyes grow big, excited

19) The little fish eager swims as fast as he can out towards the light, and soon his botte comes into view (as he swims several other bottles can be seen on the edges of the screen as he zooms past them)

20) overcome with joy, the fish thrusts himself into the bottle with immense force

21) the fish is focused on as he celebrates his reunion with the bottle from within

22) The fish looks out at the ocean and is so excited, he sees the hourglass shaped turtle swimming above him, and wants to go tell him he has found his bottle

23) It is here the fish realizes that he is stuck, and the panic slowly sets in over the course of a couple seconds

24) The fish desparately tries to get out fo the bottle, frantic and scared

25) the bottle begins to move around from the struggle and collides with several other bottle near by

26) the fish haults, and looks out at the bottle he hit, only to be greeted withe the sight of a fish skeleton inside of it

27) the film ends as the camera pans out to see more bottles surrounding the fish, and he is staring, silent, at the corpse in the neighboring bottle

[be-the-script]

The preposterous adventures of Agust D the mermaid hunter and his half-lamb half-cookie companion Jeon Jungkook, including the stories of the prince of the air searching for his wings and how the Yin and the Yang found their balance

← Previous Chapter

Chapter 8/10: I’m sorry my brother

Word Count: 1,794

Summary: Taehyung found his wings back!! But at what cost...

The morning passed slowly. They had all went their way, searching for Taehyung's wings, with more or less motivation depending on the guy. In the afternoon though, Jungkook surprisingly joined the air creature. He didn't really look hurt, maybe vexed, or offended.

"Hey, I'm not stupid okay?" He finally said after a silence, slightly pouting. "My father said it's because I'm learning about the world. I'm not stupid." He repeated, determined.

Taehyung was looking at him, surprised and most of all quite pleased by the younger's acceptance of his ignorance.

"It's alright, you can't know everything like that. Just make sure to be a bit more respectful, would you?"

"I'll try. But I'll still prove the fish hybrid I'm stronger than him."

Taehyung sighed.

"Jungkook, If I were you, I wouldn't look down on a creature who lives in an environment where you yourself have an average life expectancy of three minutes. Just because he doesn't have an intelligence similar to humans' doesn't mean he's stupid. He's actually able to communicate with almost all the sea life, he sees in the abyss as clear as day and despite what humans did to his kind, he doesn't hate them…"

"What did humans do?"

"Sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned that. Don't mind it please."

"It's the reason why he was crying the day you met him, right?"

"… Yes."

"If you can't tell me, I'll just ask him when he gets back."

"Please don't! It would only bring painful memories back! Even if you asked him, he would probably not answer and rather go back to the royal palace of the sea. So please don't."

Jungkook finally agreed to not try to learn more about Jimin's past. But Taehyung still felt a bit guilty for teasing the youngster with a story he wouldn't have.

"You know what? If you keep your word and if I find back my wings, I'll take you to a fly. How does that sound?"

Jungkook had his eyes shining with excitation.

"Can you carry me on another continent? Like the farthest away from my brother?"

"Well, I'm used to carry Jimin for fun, but never for so long. Maybe just to Jeju?" Taehyung answered with a little laugh. Seriously, what did Seokjin do to have his brother avoid him that much?

"As long as I'm away from the mother hen and free to explore the world, I'll take it!!" Jungkook said with a burning passion, making Taehyung laugh for good.

The five reunited in the night and even though they weren't talking about it, they all had a thought for their two comrades actually deep down in the darkness. They ate in silence, enjoying some of the food that was now filling most of Agust D's fridge. Like his fridge, Agust D's mind was filling with more and more thoughts. Like that one.

"Why did you have your wings cut in the first place?" He asked to Taehyung, making everyone realised that they had never really wondered about it.

"Well, a little disagreement with my family, that's all," Taehyung explained with a tight smile.

"What kind of disagreement? What proof do we have we're not helping a delinquent?"

The feathered young man sighed.

"I opposed my father and to keep me from spreading my ideas to others… He made sure I wouldn't be there."

"That's quite the harsh treatment for a simple disagreement."

"No, in our culture the family chief's opinion is absolute. Opposing to it is a big offense to all the family."

"Why did you do it then?"

"Because he was unfair and egoistic! I couldn't stand this anymore." Taehyung fisted his hands on his knees, anger also showing on his face.

No one tried to further the subject. They knew Taehyung was very respectful and caring but if he was angered, he would become quite violent.

The following day passed even more slowly, their research still fruitless. Taehyung came to the sea a bit before the sunset. He picked a shell, checking if its inhabitant had left and if the limestone structure was in a good state. He murmured a few words, slightly whistling - Jimin had told him it was easier to transmit. Then he jumped from rock to rock to the farthest place he could reach and he threw the shell. A few minutes later, a fish jumped out of the water, signaling him his message had been sent.

He came back to the Snail. Hoseok was once again arguing with Seokjin. The two had been quite stressed in the last days and it was probably their way to cope. However, it seemed like Jungkook was also done with them. The young man suddenly got up and hit his two elders on the head, making them fall on their knees while holding their hurting skull. Once he was done, the bunny-teethed boy came back to his sit, resuming eating his cookies.

"If you can eat anything, why do you keep eating those things?" Agust D asked as he himself wasn't a fan of sweet things.

"Cookies make him stronger. They also help him heal if he's hurt." Seokjin answered instead, still massaging the top of his head.

"He's the cutest of us all but I have a feeling he's also the scariest, isn't he?" Hoseok added, now looking warily at the boy focused on eating.

"Well, I think he's a good kid." Agust D said, remembering how the boy would always carry him if he got tired.

As they obviously weren't in the mood to sleep, they decided to rather wait for Namjoon and Jimin. Seokjin amused everyone with little tricks, making Cucurbitaceae seeds grow in all kind of things like an armchair, a cat plushy or a gold sculpture of himself - Seokjin still wonders why it made them laugh so much, it was really good looking and of the most refined taste, those guys must be insensitive brutes unable to appreciate art.

It was almost dawn when Namjoon and Jimin came back, safe and sound. Hoseok had never seen his brother so lively - even though it was still quite calm compared to other people, - especially when he told them about the royal palace of the Sea Kingdom, a gigantic coral atop an even more gigantic turtle. The whole palace had come to them after their travel in the deep end of the Trench to help them cross the Kuroshio current that passed between the Trench and South Korea. He was mainly talking about their comeback because he couldn't remember anything of what had happened in the Trench. And Jimin didn't seem in the mood to tell them, hugging Taehyung's waist while this one was gently caressing his hair.

They ended celebrating the success of the operation with a copious breakfast prepared by Hoseok and Seokjin - who were best friends now that the stress was gone. Agust D took part in the party even though he was wondering more and more how he had ended in that situation, putting five people up in his Snail and crossing South Korea searching for wings. It wasn't that he didn't like it, he was just really used to his calm place, surrounded by his movies and his novels. On that subject, Hoseok had gained a lot of popularity in his heart after he had taken the time to tidy all his possessions - in exchange for having destroyed his precious baseball ball he had said.

"Hurry up or I'm leaving you here!!" Agust D yelled from the driver seat of his truck to Seokjin who had gone picking up little flowers, ignoring Jungkook's murmurs next to him telling him to "do it! Leave him!"

The wizard took his wand out and after a "Calycophysum" his feet propelled him next to the truck. He climbed and they could finally head to their next destination: Pohang. During the trip, Seokjin checked Taehyung's scars and sadly noticed that they were starting to heal, closing the skin and the hope of the poor birdman.

Pohang was the city with the easternmost point in the country. It was the first South Korean place to see the sunrise every day and it had a famous summer festival. It was also the place where the Hand of Coexistence had been erected, to the greatest joy of Jimin who jumped around the immense hand as soon as he saw it.

The rest of the team had joined him almost an hour later as they had been forced to stop at a gas station on the way. And optionally to respect the Highway Code.

It was already late in the afternoon but they had barely the time to come out of the Snail when a loud and piercing song came from the sea. Even though they couldn't understand it, they knew it came from Jimin and that it must have been important. They all hurried toward the sea, orientating themselves thanks to the continuing song. They all grouped at the top of a cliff, the place gladly empty of tourist as it was nearing the sunset.

Jimin was down there, excitedly pointing a point on the stone wall. They looked and indeed here they were!! A pair of wings, lying on a cornice, unaltered apart from a light discoloration if compared with Taehyung's arms.

Now was coming the delicate task of recovering them. They were too high for the merman and too low for the others. Seokjin quickly picked a seed from his pocket, he put it in the soil and claimed "Polyclathra" while gesturing his wand in a complex figure. The seed quickly grew into a strong climber. 

Taehyung wanted to go himself but Jungkook was quicker. The young boy easily went down, delicately took hold of the mass of feathers and let himself be lifted up by the others, so he could securely hold his treasure.

Taehyung received his belongings with tears in his eyes, his heart bursting with emotion at the sight of his precious limbs. As soon as the wave of emotion passed, he quickly knelt to sew the feathers back to his skin with a string and a needle he had on him, showing an impressive dexterity while doing so. As he sewed, the wings recovered their initial color.

He sewed the last point. He slowly stood up and opened the wings, enjoying the feeling.

But it was short-lived as soon after, another cry came from the sea, horrified this time. No one understood and when they tried to look down Jimin was quickly swimming away. And then they turned to Taehyung, finally facing him, after being in his back to watch the healing process. The inside of his wings were splashed with blood.

Next chapter→

[bloggmylyf]

  The famous “love beach”, also called the “hidden beach” in the Islands. The beach is a popular tourist destination.

The Marieta Islands (Spanish: Islas Marietas) are a group of small uninhabited islands a few miles off the coast of the state of Nayarit, Mexico, in federal waters 7.9 kilometres (4.9 mi) southwest of the peninsula known as Punta de Mita, in the municipality of Bahía de Banderas.

They are very popular tourist destinations because of the abundant marine life populations due to the islands being protected from fishing and hunting by the Mexican government. The depth around the islands is between 70 and 110 feet.

Geography

The Marietas Islands were originally formed many thousands of years ago by volcanic activity, and are completely uninhabited. The islands are about an hour long boat ride west-northwest from the coast of Puerto Vallarta and are visited daily by hundreds of tourists, yet no one can legally set foot on the islands. In the early 1900s the Mexican government began conducting military testing on the islands because no one lived there. Many bombings and large explosions took place on the islands causing caves and rock formations to be created. After a massive international outcry, started by scientist Jacques Cousteau in the late 1960s, the government eventually decided to label the islands a national park and therefore protected against any fishing, hunting or human activity.

Situated in a sort of open sun-drenched crater, this beach is affectionately nicknamed the “hidden beach” or “beach of love” (Playa del Amor), it is accessible only when the tide is low.

Flora and fauna

Many species of birds make the Islands, their breeding and feeding ground.

The Islands are home to 44 different species of plants and wildlife. This has led to the inclusion of National Park in RAMSAR sites its designation as a UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve. Many species of seabirds use the location as feeding and breeding grounds, these include blue-footed boobies as well as the red-billed tropicbirds. It also has many different varieties of coral, which, in turn, is home to a large variety of reef fish species. The island ecosystem is also home to dolphins, Manta Rays and a number of tropical fish. Eels and many species of sea turtles are also found in the reefs and the many caves that dot the site. During the winter months humpback whales arrive at the islands and can be observed all through winter.

Tourism

Humpback Whale breaching off the Island

Protection by the government has created an environment conducive to the development of the marine ecosystem, and is a popular location for snorkeling and scuba diving. Not even during whale watching tours, people often report seeing sea turtles, manta rays, octopus, wild dolphins, humpback whales and thousands of species of tropical fish around the islands. The islands are also home to a few thousand birds, with species such as the blue-footed booby. Currently, the Mexican government allows only a few companies to go to the islands and allows the landing of passengers onto one secluded beach with the necessary permit from SEMARNAT.

From Punta de Mita, small boats do tours through the islands to see the wildlife of this region. From December to March gray and humpback whales can be observed that come from Alaska to give birth off the coast of Nayarit.

It has been estimated in studies carried out at the University of Guadalajara that the so-called “hidden beach” or the “love beach” can accommodate up to 116 visitors a day without degrading. The carrying capacity of the entire park is 625 visitors a day. (These studies used the antiquated system of Tourism carrying capacity to estimate visitors). However the actual number of visitors is typically three of four times this limit with more than 2500 visitors landing on it each day during 2016. During the Easter holidays more than 250 boats landed on the island per day, some of them carrying as many as 400 tourists. This has been due to recent interest in the Island. The number of tourists in 2012 was only 27,500, but this skyrocketed to 127,372 in 2015.

Closure to general public

The pristine breaches of the Islands were a popular tourist destination

In May 2016, the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas, the national environmental authority in Mexico announced that the Islands and their beaches shall be closed to the general public from May 9.

There have been several reasons presented for this closure, although all of them stem from the increased number of tourists visiting the site. One of the main reasons of the closure is that the coral in the area is being destroyed. The cause of coral destruction is thought to be a combination of global warming, presence of boat oil in the water due to excessive tour trips and physical destruction due to dropping of anchors up to 250 times a day.

The structure of the Islands and the famous beach is composed of two types of volcanic rocks. The interior is made up of “explosive rocks” which erode quickly and the exterior “shell” is made up of a more resilient form of rock which can withstand erosion to a greater degree.This does not mean that the island is not susceptible to erosion. According to various studies carried out in 2014 it has been estimated that the Island only has a few thousand more years before it will erode away. However, the rate of erosion is being accelerated by human impact and according to officials, “Excessive tourism could lead to a more rapid destruction of this sanctuary.”

Another problem is the increase in solid waste pollution and hydrocarbon pollution. These pose a threat not only to the coral but to larger animals as well. even the humpback whales have felt the negative impact of hydrocarbon pollution.

When the closure was announced, rumors began to circulate on various social media networks that the Islands and the beaches had been sold to foreign corporations. Roberto Sandoval, the governor of Nayarit, dismissed these rumors as fabrications and stated that the Islands were part of the Mexican national heritage and shall therefore remain an icon of Riviera Nayarit forever.

Conservation efforts

The Mexican authorities have outlined several plans to undo the damage done to the beaches and the islands. These will focus not only repairing the damage already caused by human hands, but will also focus on mitigating any further human interference in the ecosystem. The first part of the plan is to “replant” the coral in order to compensate for the coral that has been destroyed. This is done by attaching new coral to the already existing coral and letting it grow for 3 to 4 months. Another major effort focuses on limiting the damaging human impact on the sanctuary when the islands reopen for the general public and tourists. According to National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) after the Islands have been reopened for tourism tourist overload may be mitigated by placing a special floating dock in the bay area which will limit the ships that arrive. another measure under consideration is to place buoys around the fragile ecosystem in order to control the number of visitors that are arriving.

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Islas Marietas National Park | The Hidden Beach, Mexico. The famous "love beach", also called the "hidden beach" in the Islands. The beach is a popular tourist destination.