Books and Resources by Captain Eric
Welcome to my book collection! Here you’ll find stories and educational materials inspired by the Gulf Coast, beginning with Half Tail: A Gulf Coast Legend — the true story of a resilient dolphin who overcame incredible challenges.
Real stories from thousands of hours guiding families through Gulf Coast waters. My background in education and years as a charter captain taught me that the best learning happens through authentic experiences, like meeting Half Tail, a remarkable dolphin who survived losing half his tail and became my greatest teacher about resilience and marine life.
Where authentic Gulf Coast encounters become unforgettable lessons.
Half Tail: A Gulf Coast Legend
Meet Half Tail—a remarkable bottlenose dolphin who lost half his tail to a boat propeller but refused to give up. This resilient marine legend of Pensacola Pass has become an extraordinary teacher, sharing the secrets of survival in the Gulf of Mexico.
Through 42 unforgettable lessons, charter captain Eric J. Paull reveals authentic insights into Gulf Coast marine life, from dolphin communication and weather reading to conservation success stories and the delicate balance of underwater communities.
Based on real encounters and years of professional experience on the water, this unique blend of adventure, education, and inspiration shows how one injured dolphin's determination mirrors the resilience of the entire Gulf ecosystem.
Perfect for marine enthusiasts, educators, families, and anyone who believes in the power of adaptation and community.
Discover the Gulf through the eyes of its most inspiring resident.
Teacher and Student Resources and Activities
Welcome, Teachers & Parents!
These free lesson plans, student workbooks, and activities are designed for Florida 4th & 5th grade standards in ELA, Science, and Social Studies. Everything is ready to download and use in your classroom or homeschool.
Shelly the Loggerhead
Guardian of the Pass
An ancient sea turtle.
A quiet captain who listens to the sea.
And a Gulf full of stories most people never hear.
When Captain Eric meets Shelly the loggerhead sea turtle near Pensacola Pass, she begins sharing the hidden stories of the ocean—stories about survival, storms, history, and the choices people make that shape the future of the sea.
Shelly the Loggerhead has been swimming the Gulf for decades. She has seen storms reshape the shoreline, watched ships pass through the narrow entrance to Pensacola Bay, and survived a world that is changing faster than the tides.
Together they explore the hidden life of the Gulf.
Along the way, Shelly shares an important truth.
Protecting the ocean begins with the choices people make every day.
Blending storytelling, history, and real marine science, Shelly the Loggerhead: Guardian of the Pass invites young readers to discover the wildlife, history, and fragile beauty of the Gulf of Mexico.
Perfect for:
• children who love sea turtles and ocean animals
• families visiting the Gulf Coast
• classrooms teaching marine conservation
• readers who enjoyed Half Tail: Tales from the Pensacola Pass
Because every tide carries a story…
and the ocean remembers everything.
