Fish Census Needs Volunteer Divers

There are plenty of fish in the sea, but have you ever wondered exactly how many?

This summer there will be a chance to find out during the eighth annual Great American Fish Count, which is seeking volunteers to conduct a fish census in waters off the Channel Islands for two weeks beginning July 1.

Sylvia Earle, a renowned marine explorer and National Geographic’s Explorer in Residence, will train volunteers on how to count fish and what to expect in the waters around the picturesque islands.

Started in 1992 by the American Oceans Campaign, the Reef Environmental Education Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the fish census is a nationwide survey relying on trained volunteer scuba and skin divers to log fish populations in areas along both coasts.

The event provides valuable information about the variety of species and condition of fish and their habitats.

Several seminars will be held throughout the area in the month leading up to the event. The fee to participate is $20.

For information on the event and to register, call (800) 8-OCEAN-0.