Once upon a time, in an estuary filled with brackish water, many creatures lived. They all depended on each other to survive, forming a never-ending food chain. Tiny plankton was at the bottom, providing food for small creatures like fry. As the fry grew bigger, they became smolt, ready to swim out to sea. But before they did, they needed to fertilize the estuary, so new generations of plankton could grow and start the cycle all over again. The alevin would eventually hatch from the eggs they spawned, beginning their journey as part of the interconnected community in the estuary. The end.

Reflections

1. What is the main theme of the story?
2. Why is it important for the alevin to fertilize the water?
3. How does the food chain in the estuary work?
4. What happens when the smolt swim out to sea?
5. How do all the creatures in the estuary depend on each other?