Flipper’s Journey: A Story of a Coral Reef

Flipper’s Journey: A Story of a Coral Reef By: Dorian Connors and Brady White

This book is dedicated to Mr. Maraghy, the one who taught us everything we know about marine conservation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright holder. https://thecoraleffect.weebly.com/ Written & Illustrated by: Dorian Connors- [email protected] and Brady White- [email protected] First published in 2020 by T.P. Marine Publishing, Ltd. Tampa Preparatory School, Tampa, FL 33606 U.S.A. Copyright © T.P. Marine Publishing, Ltd. 2020

One day Flipper the fish was swimming around his beautiful home in a coral reef. Flipper loved living in the great big ocean that was full of beautiful coral reefs and amazing fishes.

One morning Flipper woke up extra early to admire how pretty his coral reef was. Pink, blue, yellow, red, the reef was full of so many amazing and vibrant colors!

Later that week Flipper noticed something happening to his coral and was very confused!

“Coral”, Flipper said, “why are you losing your beautiful color?” All of a sudden Flipper’s coral reef was turning white! The coral reef responded, “Well Flipper, it’s because of coral bleaching.” Flipper asked the reef what that was.

After the reef gave Flipper some food, they had a long conversation about what coral bleaching is and why his beautiful reef was turning white. The reef explained that the temperature of his friend, Water, was becoming too warm for too long. This harmed the coral and turned them white.

But the coral said all that needs to happen for it to go away is for the humans on land to take better care of their friendly ocean.

After Flipper talked with his coral friend, he swam to the other coral he knew not that far away. He asked the coral why he had a hairnet on. The coral then said, “Flipper, this isn’t a hairnet. It’s a big fishnet and I don’t like it at all. Flipper responded, “I’m so sorry coral. Let me help!”

After all day, they finally freed coral from his fishnet. He was so happy! Flipper asked how that happened to coral. Coral responded, “Well Flipper it’s because the humans are fishing very irresponsibly and use way too big and harmful nets. If they would use safer fishing methods we would all be so happy.

After a long day of helping his friends, Flipper went back home. He slept well knowing that he did his part to help his friendly coral reefs. Flipper just hoped that the humans would do their part too!