i only mention this because i, myself, often need to do the same thing. Ask yourself, where is he? What ocean, and where? What's he doing? How long has he been underwater (if he breathes air), and what's he thinking? If he's in the Caribbean (suggested by the pretty blue water) he might be fooling with fishies hiding in a coral reef. And, what kind of bottom does kelp grow on? A sandy flat bottom or a rocky one? (i don't actually remember seeing any kelp on the coral reefs in the Caribbean, come to think of it.) What kind of fishies go with that plant life? This story business makes it more fun to do, engages the viewer, and helps you figure out details to add. As Bill Fleming says, the real world is imperfect. Add some dirt and cracks and algae and stuff. And a few air bubbles, if he's an air-breather merman. And he looks lonely. He might need a merrow friend or something. Nonetheless, i applaud your effort. And... how do you like the book? i've barely begun to wade through it. --Nan