During the entire month of July we encourage you to try your hand at conducting your first survey if you're new to our Volunteer Fish Survey Project, or to do a few more if it's been a while.
The GAFC began in 1992 when a small group of recreational divers and marine biologists conducted a visual fish count in California's Channel Islands National Park. The effort was modeled after the Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count and has now grown into an international event.
The ideas behind the GAFC are to:
- introduce divers and snorkelers to fishwatching and citizen science
- connect local fishwatchers with each other
- encourage participation in REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project, and
- help gather data on fish populations around the world
We've revamped the GAFC website, and it's got everything you need to be able to join in the fish counting fun as a participant or to organize your own local event. It can be as simple as hosting a survey dive (throw in a BBQ), or an ID class or presentation about your local fish.
We especially encourage shops, dive clubs, marine science centers and others to organize a GAFC event.
Be sure to visit www.fishcount.org to get the scoop.
See you in the water!