Introduction to the GAFC

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REEF has put together a great presentation on what they do, and how the Great Annual Fish Count works.  If you have any questions about the process, it's a great place to start.  Visit the GAFC page for further info. Remember you must pre-register via our website in order to participate in the raffle prizes.

REEF has also put together some frequently asked questions about the event:

Who’s Using the Data? Data is used by different groups depending on where in the world you look. There is a pretty complete listing on the REEF website, and the quarterly newsletter, “Making it Count” highlights some of the recent uses of the data. Scientists, researchers, policy- makers, students and divers are all accessing the database.

Do I have to take a class first? No, you do not have to take a class first. As long as you can positively ID one fish, you can submit a survey with that one fish on it. But classes are definitely more fun and you’ll learn a lot. Some people choose to just study on their own, and that’s fine too. The recent addition of REEF Fishinars (online webinars) also teach Fish ID and they're free.

Where should I survey? REEF surveyors can conduct surveys anywhere within our
participating regions around the world, at any time of night or day, any time of year (and are encouraged to do surveys year round because some fish can be seasonal). Your dive buddy need not do a survey. Surveys can be done in local marine waters (where applicable), or done on vacations or when traveling to other parts of the world.

What do I survey? In all regions you will be surveying every fish you see. In some regions, you can also survey for specific invertebrates, algae and Sea Turtles. Pacific NW surveys for fish and invertebrates. California surveys for fish, invertebrates and algae. The NE US and Canada will be surveying for both fish and invertebrates. In these regions you have the option of surveying fish only, invertebrates/algae only, or both. Sometimes it’s easier when starting out to just focus on one or the other.

Where can I find more resources?
www.REEF.org has online Fishinars (online Fish ID webinars), Quizzes, fish galleries, ID Books, survey slates and underwater paper for all regions; as well as a list of Field Stations.
www.neadc.org/gafc/ has all the info about the Northeast's annual event, as well as links to survey data from past events