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A Global Mission

The Ocean Census is a global mission to discover, document and share the diversity of life in our ocean — before it’s lost.

Join the Census

We are an Alliance of scientists, governments, marine research institutes, museums, philanthropy, technology, media and civil society partners.

Join the Network Register Species Join the Alliance
PRESS RELEASE: The Ocean Census Embarks on First Deep-sea Expedition in Japan, Partnering with JAMSTEC 
3rd June 2025 | maya
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Government & Policy Makers

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Strengthen Ocean Science Policy & Innovation

Knowledge and data on ocean life is essential for local, national and global ocean governance, climate, biodiversity and development strategies and commitments.

Governments have a critical role in scaling up the the Census through directing national research institutes, resources and capacity to participate in and contribute to the global programme.

Partner with Us

Participate in the largest mission to discover life – within your EEZ and in the High Seas enhancing our knowledge of ocean life, informing national ocean strategies, implementing biodiversity commitments and driving innovation.

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How Governments & Policymakers
Can Use Ocean Census Data

Use New Species Data to Inform Policy & Decision-Making

Integrate Ocean Census Research into National Marine Strategies

Support Marine Research & Technology Development

Collaborate on Expeditions & Marine Research Initiatives

Support sustainable ocean policies with data on newly identified species and their ecosystems.

Assess ecosystem health & resilience using biodiversity trends and species distribution insights.

Enhance environmental impact assessments with the latest taxonomic discoveries.

EXPLORE OC-BDP

Collaborate on biodiversity mapping to improve coastal and offshore development planning.

Strengthen fisheries policies and marine resource management using data on newly identified species.

Improve monitoring frameworks for tracking biodiversity shifts due to climate change and human impact.

Apply Ocean Census Data

Co-fund species discovery initiatives to build national research capacity.

Partner with local universities and scientific institutions to advance taxonomic research.

Knowledge and technology sharing across the Science Network representing over 400 institutes globally.

Invest in AI-driven species identification and digital taxonomy technologies.

FUND BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH

Co-host the Ocean Census expeditions in national waters to discover and document ocean life.

Provide vessel access, technology, or logistical support for deep-sea and coastal exploration.

Support local scientists and institutions in taxonomy and biodiversity research.

EXPLORE EXPEDITION OPPORTUNITIES

“WE ARE IN A RACE AGAINST TIME TO DISCOVER OCEAN LIFE BEFORE IT IS LOST FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. OCEAN CENSUS WILL CREATE AN IMMENSE WEALTH OF OPENLY ACCESSIBLE KNOWLEDGE THAT WILL BENEFIT AND SUSTAIN ALL LIFE ON EARTH, FOR HUMANKIND AND OUR PLANET”

Yohei Sasakawa, Chair of The Nippon Foundation

Why Partner with the Ocean Census?

Access New Marine Biodiversity Data for Policy & Management

Use the Ocean Census biodiversity data to inform marine resource management, fisheries policies, and environmental impact assessments along with reporting on national biodiversity commitments and International Treaty Obligations

Strengthen Scientific & Technological Capacity & Innovation

Invest in  research and technological advancements in biodiversity research, taxonomy and ocean monitoring

Contribute to Global Ocean Governance & Economic Development

Support international frameworks and national blue economy initiatives that rely on biodiversity research.

The Impact of Government
Collaboration

Together with national marine research institutions and global policymakers, the Ocean Census is:

  • Providing open-access marine biodiversity data to support ocean policy and sustainable development.
  • Advancing scientific research and innovation by accelerating species discovery and classification.
  • Enhancing national ocean strategies with high-quality species and biodiversity data.
  • Supporting economic opportunities by identifying new marine resources and ecosystems.
Join the census

An Alliance of scientists, governments, marine research institutes, museums, philanthropy, technology, media and civil society partners.

Join Science Network Register New Species Join the Alliance