Costello’s Reef Stripping

Blueback

This flow traces how Costello’s destructive harvesting provokes Abel’s intervention and exposes the consequences of greed.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Troubling Reputation A Troubling Reputation from "Blueback". A Troubling Reputation Warnings Dora Jackson hears that the new diver takes everything he sees.

A Troubling Reputation from "Blueback". A Troubling Reputation Warnings Dora Jackson hears that the new diver takes everything he sees.

A Troubling Reputation Warnings Dora Jackson hears that the new diver takes everything he sees. Abel recognizes that Blueback and the wider reef may be at risk. Limited power Costello holds a license to gather Abalone, and the water is open to licensed fishing. Abel sees a threat but has no simple legal remedy.

The Red Boat The Red Boat from "Blueback". The Red Boat Arrival Costello anchors at Robbers Head and sends two divers down. Abel and Dora Jackson watch the operation from shore.

The Red Boat from "Blueback". The Red Boat Arrival Costello anchors at Robbers Head and sends two divers down. Abel and Dora Jackson watch the operation from shore.

The Red Boat Arrival Costello anchors at Robbers Head and sends two divers down. Abel and Dora Jackson watch the operation from shore. Growing alarm Abel wants to stop the work, while Dora warns him not to act recklessly. The approaching threat turns their worry into an immediate dispute.

Evidence of Slaughter Evidence of Slaughter from "Blueback". Evidence of Slaughter The catch Abel approaches Costello’s boat and sees piles of dead fish, undersized Abalone, and illegal crayfish.

Evidence of Slaughter from "Blueback". Evidence of Slaughter The catch Abel approaches Costello’s boat and sees piles of dead fish, undersized Abalone, and illegal crayfish.

Evidence of Slaughter The catch Abel approaches Costello’s boat and sees piles of dead fish, undersized Abalone, and illegal crayfish. The scale of the damage confirms his fears. A restraint tested Abel wants to throw the catch back, but Dora warns that boarding the boat could get him badly hurt. He backs away without accepting the situation.

The Dangerous Rescue The Dangerous Rescue from "Blueback". The Dangerous Rescue Blueback at risk Abel returns to the water as divers’ spears threaten Blueback.

The Dangerous Rescue from "Blueback". The Dangerous Rescue Blueback at risk Abel returns to the water as divers’ spears threaten Blueback.

The Dangerous Rescue Blueback at risk Abel returns to the water as divers’ spears threaten Blueback. Dora places herself between them and the fish, despite running short of air. Escape The groper darts away after Dora strikes it to frighten it off. Abel helps his exhausted mother to the boat, and they leave before the divers surface.

The License Lost The License Lost from "Blueback". The License Lost Official action A Fisheries patrol boards Costello’s boat and later tows it away.

The License Lost from "Blueback". The License Lost Official action A Fisheries patrol boards Costello’s boat and later tows it away.

The License Lost Official action A Fisheries patrol boards Costello’s boat and later tows it away. The intervention ends his operation in the bay and costs him his license. Lasting consequence Abel learns that intervention can matter, but the reef has already suffered damage. Costello’s later cruelty to a shark deepens Abel’s understanding of human harm.

Before Costello arrives at Longboat Bay

At dawn during the summer season

Near midday at Robbers Head

During the confrontation beneath the boat

Later that afternoon