Orphan Zoe Yates lives as a dependent relative. Teenage Shaw Hale protects her, giving up work for her. They married, making a living through tide pooling and aquaculture. They faced setbacks, typhoons, and monopolistic suppression by local bullies. The couple overcame challenges, traveled to the city to break the aquatic industry monopoly, established a fishery cooperative, and built a stable life through perseverance.