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Abel's mother was not in the dinghy when he ran down the jetty.
False
Abel's mother's skin was tanned and wrinkled from the sun.
True
Abel did not have to untie the bowline before they surged away.
False
Abel's mother asked him to stay close while diving.
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Abel and his mother were diving for abalone in the ocean
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They used scuba tanks to collect the abalone from the seabed
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Abel encountered a terrifying moment when a shark approached him aggressively
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The huge fish that approached Abel was a blue groper
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The blue groper was described as having colorful scales and a large size
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Abel's mother fed the blue groper an abalone
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The blue groper swiftly devoured the abalone before disappearing into a deep hole
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The story emphasizes the disregard for marine life and the lack of importance of conservation
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The underwater setting is not vividly described in the story
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The story conveys a sense of adventure, danger, and wonder
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The story does not capture the bond between Abel and his mother
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The importance of leaving some abalone to breed and grow is emphasized in the story
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Abel Jackson's family makes a living by selling abalone shells and fishing off Robbers Head
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Abel's father's body was found after he was buried in the family cemetery
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Abel and his mother lead a self-sufficient life with mains electricity and TV
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Abel convinces his mother to visit Robbers Head to see Blueback again
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They encounter Blueback while diving for crayfish, and the groper outsmarts them
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Abel keeps Blueback a secret from the rest of the world
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The story is set in a landlocked town where the sea has no impact on the characters' lives
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Abel dreams of having a small family of his own in the future
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The Jacksons have lived at Longboat Bay for over fifty years, living off the land and sea
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Abel daydreams about Blueback at school, pondering the fish's age and experiences
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Abel encounters Blueback while fishing off Longboat Bay
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The sea plays a central role in the characters' lives in the story
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Abel is an experienced abalone diver
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Macka disregards safety concerns while diving for abalone
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Abel's mother jumps into the water to save Macka
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Macka was attacked by a shark while diving
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Abel leaves his home to attend school
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Abel takes a piece of coral as a memento from a peppermint tree
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The text does not suggest any dangers of abalone diving
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The story focuses on themes of friendship, loss, and challenges of growing up
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Abel was able to swim with Blueback despite rough seas
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Abel's mother did not express concern for Macka's safety
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Abel's father had a shrine under a peppermint tree
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Macka operated alone using a hookah while diving
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Abel's father was a pearl diver who died when Abel was two years old
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Abel is given lines for daydreaming in class, but his thoughts remain fixated on Blueback
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Abel worries that Blueback's popularity might attract someone who would harm the fish to gain notoriety
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Abel's mother warns passing boats and fishermen about Blueback to protect the fish from being hunted
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Abel swims with Blueback at Robbers Head every day, keeping their encounters a secret
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Blueback becomes a local legend, with stories spreading about the boy and the fish
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Abel ponders the mysteries of nature and the passage of time, particularly in relation to the fish Blueback
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Abel takes care of the ducks and has a close encounter with Blueback while diving with his mother
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Mad Macka, an abalone diver, knows about Blueback and assures Abel's mother that the fish is safe with him
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The text portrays Abel's deep connection with nature, his contemplation of life's mysteries, and his efforts to protect the natural world
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Abel wonders about the thoughts of dead people and fish, reflecting on the mysteries of life and death
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The story emphasizes the bond between Abel and Blueback, as well as Abel's concern for the fish's safety in the face of growing attention
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Abel and his mother used to feel bad about something that happened before their time, but now they feel they must be even with the sea.
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Abel feels like a speck, like a bubble on the sea, left by a breaking wave, here for a moment and then gone.
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Abel pulls into tiny sheltered coves and swims with his mother in turquoise water beneath streaky cliffs and trees loud with birds.
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Abel drifts amidst huge schools of tuna as they rise around him, feeding like packs of wild dogs on terrified baitfish that leapt across his boat.
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Abel's mother wants to leave their property due to financial strain
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Abel's mother expresses a desire to die by the sea
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Abel decides to confront Costello despite feeling helpless
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Abel's hands have become calloused from being at school
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Abel decides to take action by putting on his wetsuit to confront Costello
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Abel's mother dislikes inland living and wants to stay by the sea
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Abel's mother shares her emotional attachment to their home
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Abel's mother wants to sell their property due to financial strain
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Abel becomes increasingly distressed by Costello's constructive actions
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Abel encounters a terrifying moment when a shark approached him aggressively
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Macka, an abalone diver, assures Abel's mother that the fish Blueback is safe with him
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Abel's mother jumps into the water to save Macka
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Abel's mother accepted gifts and money from the developers to sell her land in Longboat Bay.
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Abel felt regret for not meeting Costello and was disappointed to learn about him later.
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Dora, Abel's mother, gave in to the pressure from developers and sold her land in Longboat Bay.
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The text highlights themes of greed, resilience, and the bond between a mother and her son.
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Abel held his breath during high school years, wondering if his mother would remarry.
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The developers resorted to sabotaging Dora's life, including damaging the road and causing mysterious bushfires.
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Abel felt helpless being away from his mother during these struggles.
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The tiger shark, hooked and dragged with a buoy by Costello, was left to die in agony.
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Abel returned to school after the summer, feeling older and wiser.
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Abel's mother, Dora, resisted pressure from developers who wanted to build a resort in Longboat Bay.
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Abel realized the cruelty of greed when he witnessed the suffering of the tiger shark.
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Blueback avoided Abel's mother after a Fisheries patrol boat fined Costello and put him out of business.
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Abel's academic pursuits bring him closer to understanding the thoughts of fish and the secrets of the sea
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Abel's mother finds solace and strength in her love for the sea, the bush, her house, and her late husband
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Abel's mother outlasts sneaky businessmen through calm patience and perseverance
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Abel witnesses a mass die-off of pilchards along the coast without a clear cause, leaving his mother convinced that 'the ocean is sick'
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Abel falls in love with Stella, a girl who shares his passion for the sea, and introduces her to his aging mother
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Abel takes both women to swim with Blueback, an old groper at Robbers Head, where they experience a playful interaction with the fish
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Abel's mother humorously hints that Stella will have to share Abel, indicating her acceptance of their relationship
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The narrative weaves themes of love, loss, perseverance, and the unyielding connection to the sea, creating a rich and emotional tapestry
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Abel's mother's aging becomes apparent to him when standing next to Stella, highlighting his absence from home
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Abel returns to Longboat Bay during breaks, engaging in traditional activities with his mother and making home improvements
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Despite his academic pursuits, Abel feels no closer to understanding the thoughts of fish and the secrets of the sea
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The text reflects on the enduring bonds of love, the passage of time, and the mysteries of the sea, all intertwined in the lives of the characters
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Abel and his mother find Costello's boat covered in blood with illegal catches of abalone and crayfish
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Abel's mother goes diving to release the abalone back into the water
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Abel follows and empties crates of abalone over the side
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Abel discovers divers spearing a large blue groper, Blueback, and runs out of air
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The mother's act of bravery in saving Blueback prevents the spearing of the fish
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Costello and his accomplice stop their illegal fishing activities after the confrontation
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The story highlights the duo's compliance with illegal fishing practices
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The mother's unconventional behavior makes her blend in with the story's characters
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The narrative emphasizes the unimportance of standing up against illegal fishing and protecting marine life
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Abel and his mother return to shore without waiting for trouble
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The story emphasizes the unimportance of standing up against illegal fishing and protecting marine life
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Abel and his mother's action highlights the importance of defying illegal fishing practices
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Abel's expertise in marine biology led to invitations for lectures and study tours by foreign governments
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Stella and Abel had a feast on the cool verandah with a table bristling with crayfish and abalone
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Stella and Abel watched dolphins jumping and hooting in the moonlit bay, which was considered a celebration
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Abel realized he was older than his father while diving in the Greek islands and observing the underwater desert created by dynamite fishing and pollution
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Abel's father died in a diving accident caused by a tiger shark
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The oil tanker accident resulted in oil reaching the shore of Longboat Bay
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Dora Jackson witnessed environmental changes in Longboat Bay
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Dora's efforts led to the declaration of Longboat Bay as a marine sanctuary
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Abel and Stella were diving when they received the news of Longboat Bay's sanctuary status
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The dream of Abel's mother's death left him feeling happy and content with the sea
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Dora's efforts to protect Longboat Bay were unsuccessful
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The story reflects on the impact of human activities on the natural world
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Abel's mother accepted gifts and money from the developers to sell her land in Longboat Bay
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The text highlights themes of greed, resilience, and the bond between a mother and her son
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Abel's mother expresses a desire to leave their property due to financial strain
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Abel's mother fed the blue groper an abalone
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Abel's mother, Dora, was known for her long, flowing white hair and her storytelling.
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Abel's father believed in introducing Abel to the sea at a young age to prevent homesickness.
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The fish, Blueback, is described as having a huge head and scales that shine.
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Abel's family made a living by selling abalone shells and fishing off Robbers Head.
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Abel and Stella continued to work as scientists and study the ocean even after becoming well-known.
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The huge blue creature that appeared while diving was a tiger shark.
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Abel's mother, Dora, resisted pressure from developers who wanted to build a resort in Longboat Bay.
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Abel's mother expressed a desire to die by the sea.
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Abel and his mother used scuba tanks to collect abalone from the seabed.
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The story emphasizes the unimportance of standing up against illegal fishing and protecting marine life.
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Abel's mother finds solace and strength in her love for the sea, the bush, her house, and her late husband.
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Abel leaves his home to attend school.
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Abel's mother convinces him to take responsibility for the neglected family property
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Abel's mother becomes frail and Abel and Stella carry on the traditions of the bay while welcoming their daughter, Dora
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The bay is declared a marine reserve while Abel and Stella nurse Stella back to health
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Abel's mother passes on her love for the sea to the next generation
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Abel's deep connection to the place is evident as he reflects on his father and feels drawn to the bay
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Abel's mother finds solace and strength in her love for the sea, the bush, her house, and her late husband
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Abel's mother wants to leave their property due to financial strain
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Abel's mother expresses a desire to die by the sea
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The story emphasizes the unimportance of standing up against illegal fishing and protecting marine life
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The text reflects on the enduring bonds of love, the passage of time, and the mysteries of the sea, all intertwined in the lives of the characters
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Abel and his mother's action highlights the importance of defying illegal fishing practices
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The sea plays a central role in the characters' lives in the story
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Study Notes
Abel's Connection with Nature
- Abel ponders the mysteries of nature and the passage of time, particularly in relation to the fish Blueback
- Abel is given lines for daydreaming in class, but his thoughts remain fixated on Blueback
- Abel takes care of the ducks and has a close encounter with Blueback while diving with his mother
- Abel's father was a pearl diver who died when Abel was two years old, leaving his mother to remember him
- Abel wonders about the thoughts of dead people and fish, reflecting on the mysteries of life and death
- Abel swims with Blueback at Robbers Head every day, keeping their encounters a secret
- Abel's mother warns passing boats and fishermen about Blueback to protect the fish from being hunted
- Mad Macka, an abalone diver, knows about Blueback and assures Abel's mother that the fish is safe with him
- Blueback becomes a local legend, with stories spreading about the boy and the fish
- Abel worries that Blueback's popularity might attract someone who would harm the fish to gain notoriety
- The text portrays Abel's deep connection with nature, his contemplation of life's mysteries, and his efforts to protect the natural world
- The story emphasizes the bond between Abel and Blueback, as well as Abel's concern for the fish's safety in the face of growing attention
Mother and Son Stand Up to Illegal Fishing
- Abel and his mother go out on a boat to confront illegal fishing activity
- They find Costello's boat covered in blood with illegal catches of abalone and crayfish
- Abel's mother goes diving to release the abalone back into the water
- Abel follows and empties crates of abalone over the side
- He discovers divers spearing a large blue groper, Blueback, and runs out of air
- His mother intervenes, causing Blueback to escape and saving him
- They return to shore and wait for trouble, but none comes
- Costello and his accomplice continue their illegal fishing activities
- The mother's act of bravery in saving Blueback prevents the spearing of the fish
- The story highlights the duo's defiance against illegal fishing practices
- The mother's unconventional behavior makes her stand out in the story
- The narrative emphasizes the importance of standing up against illegal fishing and protecting marine life
The Legacy of Longboat Bay
- Abel, a scientist, returns to Longboat Bay, where he is reunited with Dora Jackson and his mother, Stella
- Dora shares stories of the ocean and the sanctuary status granted to the bay
- Stella falls and breaks her hip, prompting Abel to take responsibility for the neglected family property
- Abel's deep connection to the place is evident as he reflects on his father and feels drawn to the bay
- Stella convinces Abel to stay and care for their home, leading him to quit his job and dedicate himself to Longboat Bay
- Abel and Stella nurse Stella back to health and witness the bay being declared a marine reserve
- Abel's mother becomes frail, and Abel and Stella carry on the traditions of the bay while welcoming their daughter, Dora
- The story ends with Abel's mother watching the ocean from her bed, having passed on her love for the sea to the next generation.
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