Kalaides are small mollusks that have become of prime economic importance to the planet Cols. These small animals are found in great numbers in their native region. They seldom exceed two centimeters in length. Kalaides are soft, vulnerable animals that propel themselves by a series of flagellum; their primary sense organs are a series of sensitive "whiskers" near the mouth.
Their native waterways have a complex biostructure, with countless fish, amphibian, and crustacean species. Kalaides themselves tend to have a lifespan of only a few months, but also reproduce rapidly - an area nearly depleted of them can have a population numbering in the tens of thousands within just a few months provided the environmental balance remains favorable. However, that is the problem - the creatures have proven to be very susceptable to changes in their environment and without ideal conditions, their reporduction rate slows alarmingly.
The environment controls around their native region are strict, but with good reason. As the kalaides seem to be extremely sensitive to changes in their environment, the government of Cols will not risk destroying the biosphere that gave rise to them. In addition to bans on industry, any activity which may result in chemicals entering the biosphere is banned or strictly controlled. Therefore, the entire local economy is regulated. All waste must be removed by licensed contractors; businesses and residences are regularly monitored for pollution levels; the use of vehicles, droids and machinery is prohibited on the waterways.
The result is a region where prices are much higher than the norm, government officials wield enormous power (since they grant business, operation and building permits for the entire region), and many services that galactic citizens take for granted are not available. However, the Harvest Bay area is warm and lush, with an extremely comfortable climate; the region has become a "tourist area," and the income supplements the kalaides harvesting operations.
The harvesting operations are much more dangerous than is admitted by local officials. The abundance of kalaides and other small aquatic animals draws many predatory fish to the waters of Harvest Bay. Harvesting must be done by divers with portable equipment, and harvesters risk attacks by the more aggressive fish and water creatures. Local harvesting companies look to transient travelers (such as academy students) as a source of potential employees. | 
