The Great American Fish Count, GAFC, which began in 1992 in southern California, is one way for scientists to better study and understand the marine world.

Each year during the first two weeks of July, an ever-growing number of volunteer divers and snorkelers participate in the Great American Fish Count.

Participants receive training in local fish identification and behavior and also receive instruction in an easy-to-learn survey method developed by fish ecologists. By recording their observations in a standardized method, divers and snorkelers assist resource managers in identifying long-term trends in fish populations and distributions, as well as heightening public awareness about these issues. Continuing to do these fish surveys year round is strongly encouraged.

Divers and snorkelers concentrate their fish-sighting efforts in NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary communities which include, the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, the Monterey Bank National Marine Sanctuary, the Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.

For more information contact Greg Hernandez, NOAA public affairs, at (202) 482-6090. Additional information can be found by clicking here.