One night, a conversation with local inhabitants and returning migrants to the island of Santa Maria of the Azores, highlights the importance of natural heritage and marine megafauna for the locals. This makes the researcher revisit some of the sketches and capture the locals' care for their rich natural biodiversity and for more-than-human patrimony.

Figure 5: Island Sketching and Noticing

From these materials, a story began to take shape, illustrating how humans and marine species grow closer as rising waters overtake parts of the land. One evening at dusk, while driving past green fields dotted with freely roaming cows, we find ourselves thinking and fantasizing aloud. The sea on the horizon beautifully contrasts with the vibrant green grass. We embrace this storytelling as a fun, open-ended activity during our drive. We reflect on the effects of climate change and how these lowlands and meadows might one day be submerged by the sea. What would life on the island look like in that scenario?

Figure 6: Island Fabulation 1

Despite the quite dramatic beginning, the authors sought to turn the fabulation into an affirmative, positive one, focusing on mutual care and kinship among species.

Figure 7: Island Fabulation 2

FABULATION

The whale shark plays a crucial role in the island's marine biodiversity, alongside other megafauna such as manta rays, dolphins, and whales. The local residents have deep respect and affection for these creatures. They embark on hours-long trips in small boats, hoping to encounter them up close and swim alongside them, feeling both small and blessed to share the waters with such magnificent animals.

However, climate change is causing sea levels to rise, threatening to submerge the coastal meadows. Over time, marine species will replace terrestrial ones, and the whale shark may come to be viewed similarly to a local cow. In this new reality, these marine creatures will adapt to shallow waters and human presence but may struggle to survive. The locals will care for the large mammals, ensuring they are fed, safe, and healthy.

In return for their care, the manta ray presents a special gift to the humans each year: a large egg made of a magical material that has the power to heal neurodegenerative diseases. The whale shark signals to the humans when the gift is ready for pickup by performing a unique dance swim near the shore, showcasing its majestic and intricate movements.

The community expresses their gratitude toward the whale shark and celebrates the arrival of the gift annually with grand festivities. During these celebrations, the locals prepare special meals for their beloved whale sharks, and the species swim together, cherishing each other’s company. Other marine species also join in the festivities, some of which are gradually learning to come ashore for brief visits.