[bluex]

Prompt 8
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username: bluex
what are some steps you can take to save coral reefs/sea animals?

speaking on behalf of myself, not avalon.

the ocean is a vast place, full of unknown creatures. it's so difficult to take care of a place hosting so many ecosystems, many of which are in the deepest of the twilight zone. cleaning up the oceans is important, and you can donate to organisations like 4ocean that remove plastic wastes from the sea, or prevent the problem even reaching the site by using recyclable options and biodegradable options. plastic is cheap, but ineffective compared to other sources, as well as highly damaging to the environment. by switching to safer options individually, we may eliminate the use of plastic together. plastic wastes are extremely damaging to the ocean environment, and are damaging to us as well.

microplastics are minuscule pieces of broken down plastic that cannot biodegrade, and they're becoming an increasing problem. these tiny plastics are passed along food chains by the animals that had eaten the plastics prior. small fish eat the plastics, and they are then eaten by larger consumers, resulting in a catastrophic cycle of death. microplastics are causing mass population drops, and due to their tiny size, are very hard to clear out. the only way to stop the situation from worsening is clearing the oceans and switching to alternative materials.

climate change is also a major contribution to the decline of species present within our ocean. the warming surface of the earth is causing slight temperature shifts in sensitive areas, which can result in detrimental loss. coral bleaching is an example of the results of climate change. the great barrier reef in far-north queensland, australia is the largest coral reef system in the world, but many parts of it are deteriorating, with half of it gone in the past 27 years. the impact this has on the complex ecosystems relying on this ocean biome is massive, as changes are happening too fast for the species to adjust. climate change is the result of greenhouse gases being trapped in the atmosphere and warming up the surface. these greenhouse gas production increases are almost exclusively by us and our industries. burning of fuels, electricity, agricultural production and transportation are all causes of greenhouse gas emissions. if we do not shift to renewable sources of energy, such as wind, solar or hydro power, as well as utilise sustainable farming practices such as water recycling, vertical farming and paddock rotation, we will worsen the state of our already deteriorating planet.

the most important part of it all? education.
knowledge creates the power to take action. it is so important to teach the general public about what is happening to the world around us. the ocean is important, it holds a great deal of resources and is home to many beautiful species. educating children from a young age is especially vital, as they are our future. enabling them to help the dolphins they love so much, or the sharks they see in cartoons, or the mermaids they believe are hiding under the waves will be effective in the long run. interactive and public education about the ocean should be more readily available - the more people we have on our team, the easier it'll be to save the big blue.

[♔Voltaire♔]

Prompt 8
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Username: ♔Voltaire♔
What are some steps you can take to save coral reefs/sea animals?

About 8.8 million tons of human-made waste is spilled into the ocean a year, destroying ecosystems and being retrieved from sea life, whether it be internally or externally. Microplastics are being found in fish liver, sea life such as turtles are being caught in discarded ropes and plastics, and dead sea animals are found with trash in their digestive systems. It's a terrible world we live in today, and we need to do everything we can to help save one of the most biodiverse habitats on our planet.

I myself have already taken personal action, recycling what I can and cleaning litter from the beaches when I visit. I have also refrained from using single-use straws, in fact, I rarely use straws in general. Millions of straws are used by the human population per year, and even companies are starting to ban their use in order to help in the fight against ocean pollution. Large companies like Disney, Starbucks, and American Airlines are a few of the many companies that are pledging to ban plastic straws, which is an amazing step toward saving our oceans.

Education in school and outside of school is also a major way of informing those about the disaster we are causing to marine life. When I was in high school, there were little to no lessons on ocean preservation, and I think that should be changed. People young and old should be educated and informed about how much harm we are doing to the ocean and its inhabitants.

[SaltyBirb]

Prompt 8
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Username: SaltyBirb
What are some steps you can take to save coral reefs/sea animals?

The sea, interesting and mysterious. We've only discovered a small part of it and there's still many more to see. But only discovering such a small portion of the sea, we've already destroyed half of it. To save the sea and many creatures that dwell in it takes a lot of helping hands and work. By taking small steps, we'll be able to slowly but surely help it. Although this has been repeatedly said a lot of times, I think it's a really good idea to reduce plastic by doing many innovative ways. Especially when a viral video of a turtle having a straw stuck in it's nose, the reduction of plastic straws has increased but it should've been all plastics in general. To do so, one has to decrease using plastics avoiding items that use a lot of it, reusing them on art projects, new items and many more. By doing this, we are already helping the sea life regain it's light. Other than reducing plastic, avoiding and not following the practice of over fishing or dynamite fishing is also great because these are also the main reason for the dying sea life. All that I can hope is that our small actions can help the sea heal it's wounds.

[Micki.]

x
Prompt 8
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Username: Micki.
What are some steps you can take to save coral reefs/sea animals?

just answering this one as me this time bc no inspiration to answer it as mia and/or sorrel weeps

the biggest thing I think I do is cut down on plastic / make sure my family doesn't use too much plastic

we have some of those big reusable totes that we usually use when we go shopping, and if we do use plastic bags when we go get groceries at walmart, we always use the least that we can, and we re-use them for kitty box cleaning. we have reusable metal straws that we use instead of plastic ones. we have a lot of tervis tumblers, as well as glass and metal water bottles vs. using disposable ones. we also don't use face washes with plastic microbeads. whenever we happen to get a 6 pack of sodas we always make sure to cut the plastic rings so that animals won't get stuck in them. those sorts of things.

another big thing: we only buy / eat tuna if we know it's skipjack tuna or another type of tuna that isn't endangered, such as bluefin tuna. this includes no tuna sushi, and usually not a lot of sushi in general bc the sushi industry has a lot to do with the overfishing of bluefin tuna

I also donate to a nearby aquarium's sea turtle hospital - one of the only ones on the eastern border in the U.S. not a lot bc I can't afford that, but around $10 whenever I can spare it

[hiraeth + hound]

the last prompt has been posted! this prompt will end at 9 PM CST! Which is approximately 8 and 1/2 hours from now. Make sure to get your last prompts in if you can! My new tablet is in, so I will be updating the last few posts with the coral images and coding shortly.

[Knickknacks]

Prompt 9
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Username: Knickknacks
Write your coral a goodbye letter!

Caspian:
I've only been taking care of you for a few days, but it feels like a lot longer. You've grown so well- even though you may not be as big as some of the other corals, I'm still so proud of you and have loved looking after you. I know you're going to love being out in the ocean for real- your tank is cozy, but you're getting a little big to fit comfortably in it now...
I'm going to miss looking after you, but I’m also excited for you! I’ll definitely try to come back and visit sometime, to see how you’re getting on. I wish you all the best, buddy. <3

[BadgerBuddies]

Prompt 9
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Username: BadgerBuddies
Write your coral a goodbye letter! 

Well, it was finally time. Bakari shut off the lamp overhead of Peach’s habitat and pulled the thermometer out of the water. She wasn’t as crazed now that her time here with Peach had come to an end, so she took the time to dry it before returning it to Enke, much to his delight. The goodbye would be bittersweet, as Bakari had grown so attached to her little coral friend in such a short amount of time. However, she was beaming with pride, knowing that she had worked hard to watch Peach grow, and now that was all about to pay off as everyone headed to the beach, ready to introduce their corals into the ocean.

Bakari gently lifted Peach’s habitat and headed out of the door to Enke’s hut one last time. She spoke softly to her coral. I’m gonna miss you so much, but I know you’ll be happier this way. And now you know Jenny, Mimi, and Karen the dolphins, so you’ll still have some friends out there on the reef. Not to mention everyone else’s little coral pals.” She smiles softly as a single tear rolls down her cheek. Her hooves tread daintily through the sand, and eventually, the pleasent waves of the ocean rush over her ankles. “Well Peach, this is it. I hope you continue to grow into the best and most beautiful coral in the whole world. I will cherish the days we have spent together forever. I will miss you always, but you’ll always be in my heart.” The heifer sniffled as she handed her precious coral to Enke, who was suited up to shuttle the corals down to the protected reef site where they would be planted. She fought back the tears as the bull swam out of sight under the water. The heifer knew she was only a coral, but Bakari hoped that Peach would miss her as much she would miss Peach.

[Synerie]

Prompt 9
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Username: dysania.
Write your coral a goodbye letter!

Today was the day. The day she knew she would be excited for but now... now she felt a lump in her throat the moment she stepped into Enke's booth. Tears had already begun to well in her eyes.

Taima settled down beside the table. The tank was brightly light, showcasing the nearly full-grown coral, its horns a brilliant yellow. The Clownfish darted between Gaia's branches, playfully weaving amid the waving plants. Her hard work to help grow the coral showing, though not only by the size of Gaia but by the sadden visage that the dear Buttermilk wore. A smile creased Taima's lips and she let out a slow exhale, turning her gaze to the paper she had brought with her.

Shaking, Taima eased the pen up and clenched her eyes a moment. She already felt a tear streak down her cheek, giving a faint whimper as her heart shattered. When she reopened her eyes, Taima felt the pen gliding over the paper as if on instinct.



Gaia,

Oh, Gaia. My dear colorful Gaia. It's been nearly a week since you were assigned to me. I remember how excited I was to receive you when you were just that tiny grey lump at the bottom of the tank. How I felt excited to watch you grow and to provide the protection you needed to have grown into a beautiful coral. How eager I was to take in another plant, to watch it grow and to see it become healthy.

Today, you leave my watchful eye and become a part of a true reef. Today, I leave you as a beautiful addition to nature. A much-needed piece of the puzzle. You will, under Enke's care, become a part of something greater. I hope you can live out the length of your lifespan as a vital piece of the reef, allowing the life under the water's surface to blossom much like how I assisted you to blossom.

Today, I not only lose a plant but something I have grown attached to. Today, I lose a friend. Today, I lose something that became a part of me. Gaia, you were like a friend to me. Some may call me crazy but... I found comfort in being around you. Talking to you. Even though you would never respond, I loved telling you about my problems and explaining my day. I loved daydreaming about what you could be and what you are.

I know, you will never be able to read the words I have written for you, but I know things will be different for both of us. I'm so happy to have met you and I wish you a fulfilling life as a part of something greater.



I love you, Gaia, and I will miss you far more than I had originally imagined,
xxxxTaima


With a shaky grasp, Taima drew a heart beside her name.

Taima let out another shaky exhale, quickly wiping her eyes as she felt the tears bubbling over. A bittersweet smile lifted her lips once more as she delicately folded the letter before turning to the tank. She relaxed as she watched over Gaia, feeling her heart swell with pride at what the end result of all this would be.

"Thank you, Gaia, for showing me the importance of the coral reefs and trust," Taima whispered.

[yeena]

Prompt 9
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Username: ceance
Write your coral a goodbye letter!: Milkshake didn't stay long, he simply dropped Shakecup's tank off at Enke's place with a letter attached to it. He didn't say anything and never really looked up; it was a bit confusing. Guess you should check out that letter.

To my beloved Shakecup,

I don't really know what to say. I haven't ever had a pet before, much less a coral like yourself. I know I made a fool of myself with your name but it ultimately grew on me and at this point I'm glad to have been able to share a name with you. In some way at least; Shakecup and Milkshake, you know? I guess it was the closest I really ever felt with somebody. Or something, since you're not really regarded as a person to other people. (But that doesn't apply to me).
I've always been a bit lonely, this event didn't change much. I still came here alone and didn't really do much besides help some stranger find a chicken on a wild chicken hunt. At the end of the day I still walked to my room alone. Although, I wasn't alone in the room; not necessarily. I had your flower tank set up next to my coffee table, and you never really could greet me besides the soft humming of your filter, but it was enough to make me sigh in relief that I'm not entirely alone.
I guess I just struggle with relating to other people. They have really interesting lives, big money jobs and I sit behind a counter as a florist. Which, is kinda ironic. I haven't ever personally adopted any of my flowers but I know how to raise them. I guess I should pick one up sometime, huh? Maybe I will. Maybe I'll name is something like Flowertale. Something like your name but also, not your name, because your name is special.
It does hurt to have to say goodbye to you. I didn't think I'd get this attached. You made me feel a little less alone and instead of focusing on other people lives, I focused on taking care of you. I loved painting your tank, a lot actually. It distracted me for hours; I honestly forgot where I was for awhile. It was just you, me and the paint. It meant a lot to me! Like, a lot a lot to me. You, Shakecup, meant a lot to me. You still mean a lot to me. You always will, actually.
You're going to grow even bigger than you are now and provide a home for many creatures of the sea; it's a given. You'll teach young people about the ocean and what beautiful things are worth protecting.
You taught me something that I never knew about myself. That I can take care of some other creature beside myself and that it's... enjoyable to do such. I never would have thought, in a million years, that I would be able to take care of another living creature. But you have officially proved me wrong.
Thank you, Shakecup. Take care of the ocean and teach others like you have taught me. I just know you'll flourish out there. I'll miss you, for sure, but this is worth it.

With much love and gratitude that is irreplaceable,
Milkshake.

[atlas;]

Prompt 9
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Username: lucimorningstar.
Write your coral a goodbye letter!:

Sunny nodded solemnly as Enke broke the news. She was to write a goodbye letter to Tahiti. Sunny sat down in the small wooden booth. Tears streaked down her face as she wrote, trembling.

To my gentle girl,

I know that it’s only been a few days, but you already feel like a part of me. Your endless joy and positivity brings happiness to the world around you, and your gentle nature calms those who are upset. You may be wondering why it’s so easy to get attached to you. Why I’m so reluctant to let you go. Well, it’s because your personality is infectious. And even though you never talked much, your actions spoke the truest words of all.
I want you to remember me, wherever you go. I want you to remember me when you go on to be the bravest and most amazing coral out there. I want you to remember our time together, and the amazing adventures we went on. I wouldn’t even mind if you remembered Enke, who absolutely despised our guts. I just want you to remember something that connects you and me.
I’m not sure why I ever signed up to do this. I never take into consideration how hard letting go of something you love really is. It seems so easy in the movies, right? But it’s not. It’s excruciatingly painful. But I also know that it’s worth it. You get to live, Tahiti! You get a real home. You’ll be safe and sound. And even though you’re away from me, I know in my heart that it’s better this way. You’d never be happy on a farm with me. You need to live and run and enjoy your life. Not stay cooped up with me.
Lastly, I want to let you know that I’ll never forget you. Your warmth has sprouted something in my heart, and it will always be there. A constant reminder of our time together. And yeah, it’ll hurt. It’ll hurt because I’m probably not going see you for a while. But you’ll always be here with me. Because you’ve left such a strong impact on my life. Just know that I’ll always be looking. I’m going to be searching for you nonstop. Because you’re like a daughter to me. And no bond is stronger than family.
I love you, my sweet little baby.

With love, forever and always,
Sunny

Sunny watched silently as Enke picked up Tahiti’s tank and prepared to take her away. Sunny ran up to him and pressed her face up against the tank. “I love you,” she whispered. Sunny choked down a sob as she turned and fled, wanting to disappear as quickly as possible from the place that tore her soul out of her body.