Expeditions
Unlock the secrets of marine biodiversity.
The Ocean Census Expeditions are travelling to some of the most unexplored and biologically rich regions of the ocean. Through cutting-edge technology, ocean exploration, and global collaboration, we are accelerating the discovery of new species at an unprecedented scale.
Discover Life
Expeditions are at the heart of the Ocean Census’ mission, providing access to biodiversity hotspots where undiscovered life thrives. By discovering new species, expeditions help fill critical gaps in our understanding of marine ecosystems, support global conservation efforts, and uncover potential new breakthroughs for medicine, climate resilience, and food security.
Each Ocean Census expedition is co-designed with scientists, governments, and research institutions to ensure that research is targeted, ethical, and impactful. Using a combination of traditional benthic sampling, submersibles, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and technical divers we can document species with greater speed and precision than ever before.
Activity Tracker
The Ocean Census is enabling field research expeditions globally, helping scientists to operate from the surface to full ocean depth and capture, digitise and preserve ocean life.
We work dynamically with our Alliance, host nations, scientists and institutes to get specialists from our Science Network where they need to be, and provide the advanced technology and support they need.
Explore all our expeditions here.
Flagship Expeditions
These are the central, large-scale research missions of the Ocean Census Alliance, aimed at exploring and documenting marine biodiversity in the least studied and most remote areas of the ocean.
Partner Expeditions
These are collaborative research missions where scientists from the Ocean Census Science Network are supported to join partner expeditions and conduct biodiversity research to contribute to the Ocean Census.
Participant Expeditions
These are independent expeditions recognised and supported by the Ocean Census for their alignment with its goals.
Expedition Spotlight
JAMSTEC Shinkai
4 June – 23 June 2025
The JAMSTEC Shinkai Expedition is a 20-day research mission that brings together Japanese Agency of Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census.
How to Collaborate on
Expeditions
Scientists & Researchers
Apply to join an expedition team, to get your expedition endorsed, contribute taxonomic expertise, register your species discoveries, or analyse samples collected from the Ocean Census missions.
01Research Institutes
Partner on expeditions, provide vessel access, or host Discovery Workshops to accelerate species identification.
02Technology & Innovation Partners
Collaborate on ROVs, submersibles and research vessels to drive species discovery and ocean data analysis efforts.
03NGOs & Conservation Organisations
Use expedition findings to shape marine biodiversity policies, inform conservation strategies, and drive climate resilience efforts.
04Funders & Philanthropy
Support cutting-edge marine exploration, biodiversity research, and open-access data sharing to transform our understanding of ocean life.
05Media & Storytellers
Join expeditions to document discoveries, amplify the importance of species exploration, and inspire global audiences.
06Join the census
An Alliance of scientists, governments, marine research institutes, museums, philanthropy, technology, media and civil society partners.
