FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 29, 1996 Contact: Scott Kathey (831) 647-4251 or 4201 Fish Eyes On Saturday, June 1, noted marine biologist Dan Gotshall will present a seminar at the Monterey Bay Aquarium to teach divers how to develop fish eyes. From 9:00 AM til noon, divers will learn how to identify and record fish in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The seminar is preparation for the Great American Fish Count, an annual effort by volunteer divers to assess species diversity and abundance in nearshore waters. This yearês Fish Count is scheduled for July 1-14 and recreational divers are encouraged to sign up to join in the count. The Great American Fish Count began in 1992 when a small group of recreational divers conducted a standardized fish census in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. The event has since grown to include all the national marine sanctuaries on the west coast and sanctuaries in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Keys. Fish Count organizers intend to conduct identical fish counts every year at selected locations to monitor species diversity and abundance in national marine sanctuaries and other coastal areas. Fish counts promote stewardship of our marine areas by involving the public in resource management and conservation efforts. –By design, a fish count requires people to enter and appreciate a different world than the one we know,” said Terry Jackson, Manager of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. –It fosters ownership - a desire to preserve the habitat and the species that make national marine sanctuaries such fascinating places.” The doors will open for Saturdayês training seminar at 8:30 AM. Participants should arrive early to register. A fee of $20 ($15 for Monterey Bay Aquarium members) will be charged to attend the seminar, and all participants receive free entrance into the Monterey Bay Aquarium, training materials, survey forms, a Great American Fish Count tee shirt, and a card for discounted air tank fills at participating dive stores. For information regarding the Saturday class or additional training dates and locations, contact the Marine Conservation Network, PO Box 1854, Danville, California, 94526; (510) 838-2544.