FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE			June 11, 1997


Contact:	John Robinson  (831) 647-4237 or 4201

Divers Needed for Fish Census



The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is looking for divers 
to participate in the Great American Fish Count, an annual event 
which helps monitor the health of our local ocean environment.

The event takes place the first two weeks of July and offers divers a 
chance to learn more about the ocean and life under water, while 
helping the Sanctuary assess fish populations and protect marine 
life. 

Those wishing to participate are asked to attend a training seminar 
from 9 - 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14 at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. 
For a $20 fee they will receive training in identifying local fish 
species, learn an easy survey method developed by fish ecologists
and receive materials needed to record underwater observations. 
They will also receive a T-shirt and admission to the Monterey Bay 
Aquarium. Prizes will also be awarded during a fish identification 
hunt. 

ÒThis is a wonderful way to learn about the ocean and local sea life, 
while enjoying a dive or snorkel,Ó Sanctuary Manager Terry Jackson 
said. ÒBy joining the Fish Count, you also help our Sanctuary, which 
we have worked so hard to create and protect.Ó

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Last year, more than 400 scuba divers participated in the Great 
American Fish count in California, nearly all within the Monterey 
Bay and Channel Island National Marine Sanctuaries. 

Over the two-week period the divers search select kelp beds and reef 
areas, recording the species and number of fish they see. The 
observations provide a record of fish variety and population which is 
increasingly valuable as scientists assess changes in the marine 
ecosystem.

ÒWe do not know as much about the health and population trends of 
the fish species in the kelp forests of the Monterey  Bay Sanctuary as 
we would like to,Ó Jackson said. ÒThat is why volunteer fish 
surveying activities like the Great American Fish Count and other 
monitoring efforts are so important to us.Ó

The Great American Fish Count was started in 1992 by a Channel 
Islands National Park biologist and 50 divers who volunteered to 
count fish in a census off the islands. The idea of the Great American 
Fish Count quickly  spread across the country, becoming the marine 
equivalent of the Audubon Christmas bird count. 

Members of the media are welcome at the seminar and, if diving 
certified, to participate in the event with the Sanctuary dive team.  
On July 2, the Sanctuary will also host a Great American Fish Count 
media day at Pt. Lobos, conditions permitting.

This yearÕs fish count is a cooperative effort between the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NOAAÕs National 
Marine Sanctuary Program and three nonprofit organizations 
including REEF, the Reef Environmental Education Foundation, The 
Marine Conservation Network and the American Oceans 
Campaign.

Divers wanting more information, may call Kip Evans at the 
Sanctuary office, 647-4217.


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