If you haven't already explored the literary genre of Afrofuturism or Caribbean futurism, it would be good to read some exisiting literature. The Deep by Rivers Solomon depicts merfolk as the descendents of pregnant African women thrown overboard from slave ships. Tentacle by Rita Indiana doesn't explicitly contain merfolk, but it does focus on water deities and mystical properties of the sea (as well as time travel and colonialism) in order to represent indigenous perspectives.

True, most Salvadorans support Bukele at the moment. However, several I've talked to in the US are hesitant to go back and visit relatives because their (non-gang) tattoos would make them targets for arrest.

Sure, control an oppressive and evil gang with an oppressive and evil government. That should work out well. Populist leaders with the power to lock up anyone seldom abuse their powers /s

What are some of your ambient recommendations? I was just listening to Tim Hecker's Konoyo, also dig stuff like Global Communication, Boards of Canada, Grouper, Human Mesh Dance, Stars of the Lid, Biosphere.

Really into a electronic psychedelic cumbia genre that goes by Psicodelica Selvática (and other names) : Dengue Dengue Dengue!, Chancha Via Circuito, Yeahman, Son Rompe Pera, El Remolón's Selva really hits the spot too.