Species Discovery Workshops
The Ocean Census Species Discovery Workshops unite taxonomists, geneticists, marine biologists, and ecologists from our global network of institutions to identify, classify, and describe new marine species.
Why Species Workshops Matter
The workshops harness advances in high resolution imaging, genetic barcoding and sequencing to accelerate species discovery. Knowledge and technology sharing underpin all workshops, enabling the Science Network to co-develop cutting-edge new techniques and protocols that can scale across the programme.
Millions of species
undiscovered
Of the estimated 1-2 million marine species on Earth, only around 240,000 are known to science.
Traditional taxonomy
can be slow
By harnessing technological advancements in imaging, genetics and machine learning, workshops speed up the identification of new species.
Biodiversity data
is essential
Workshop findings contribute to an open access data platform to inform marine protection and sustainability efforts worldwide.
Strengthening
taxonomic expertise
Technology and knowledge sharing including supporting early-career scientists and researchers in developing taxonomic skills.
What Happens at a Species
Discovery Workshop?
Hands-On Species
Identification
Using imaging and sequencing, participants analyse samples from expeditions and legacy collections to identify and classify new species, ensuring accurate taxonomic descriptions.
Training & Knowledge
Sharing
Workshops provide training on the latest tools, technologies, and best practices in marine taxonomy, fostering collaboration across regions and disciplines.
Where Do Ocean Census
Workshops Take Place?
At Partner Research Institutions & Museums – Hosting workshops allows taxonomists to access historic collections and type specimens for comparative analysis.
At Ocean Census Expedition Partner Sites – Some workshops take place during or immediately after field missions, allowing taxonomists to study newly collected specimens in real time.
How to Get Involved
Scientists & Taxonomists
Sign up to the Science Network and apply to participate in a workshop and contribute your expertise to species identification and classification.
Research Institutes & Museums
Host a Species Discovery Workshop, providing access to collections and taxonomic facilities.
Funders & Partners
Support taxonomic research and open-access biodiversity data-sharing through workshop sponsorships.
Resources for Science
Network Members
Publications
Technical Guidelines
Expedition & Workshop Reports
Policy Papers
Awards
Join Network
Join the census
An Alliance of scientists, governments, marine research institutes, museums, philanthropy, technology, media and civil society partners.
