The latest FEI Audit Fee Survey, sponsored by NYSE-Euronext, focuses on audit fees in total, not just Sarbanes-Oxley (SOx) Section 404-related fees.

FORBES: The State of Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance According To Protiviti

More good news for bank consumers: since the January 2011 Bank Fee Survey, average minimum balance requirements to avoid fees are lower, and average monthly checking account maintenance fees (for those who pay them) are also slightly lower.

FORBES: Free Checking Options Fewer, But Not Gone

Volunteers will have to pay a fee to join the survey trips.

BBC: West coast whales, dolphins and sharks to be surveyed