Giant Sea Bass Census

Marine biologists are asking recreational divers and snorkelers along the California coast to count and report any giant sea bass they see in the first seven days of August.

The University of California, Santa Barbara, says the census is an effort to get some idea of the extent of the species’ comeback after nearly being fished to extinction. Giant sea bass can grow upward of 600 pounds and 6 feet in length.

They were heavily fished around Santa Catalina Island in the 1890s, so it’s not clear just how big they can get. The count organizers say participants should also try to report depth, habitat and size, and try to not count the same fish twice.

The researchers say would-be participants should go to www.facebook.com/giantseabass for details.