The
Alliance
The Census is jointly undertaken by the Ocean Census Alliance – uniting national and philanthropic marine institutes, museums and universities, backed by governments, philanthropy, business and civil society partners.
The Ocean Census team coordinate the Alliance and
oversees the delivery of our core programmes: expeditions,
the Science Network, Species Discovery Workshops, Discovery Awards,
and the Biodiversity Data Platform.
Alliance in Action
Scientists
Leading species discovery through expeditions, unlocking legacy collections, Species Discovery Workshops and Awards.
Science Institutes
Leading / coordinating expeditions, hosting Species Discovery Workshops, unlocking legacy collections, advancing biodiversity research, joint publications and public / policy engagement.
Expeditions
National, philanthropic and commercial marine research vessel and subsea technology owners and operators leading or co-developing expeditions.
NGOs & Civil Society
Collaborating on activities and programmes to turn scientific discoveries into action – including protecting biodiversity, strengthening capacity and inspiring public and policy engagement and action.
Governments
From drawing on Ocean Census data to support national marine strategies, biodiversity commitments and action – to national institutes participating in the Census, supported by government policy and investments to advance biodiversity research, unlock biological legacy collections, and undertake field expeditions.
Media & engagement
Amplifying the story of ocean life to inspire public and policy awareness and action.
Philanthropy
Fuelling the Ocean Census and our activities including expeditions, unlocking legacy collections, Species Discovery Workshops & Awards and the Biodiversity Data Platform.
Business & Enterprise
From data to sequencing, from marine operations to imaging, from finance to media, corporate partners deploy their expertise and resources with the Census to help speed up and scale up species discovery.
“We are lucky to be living in an era of incredible technological advancement. The Ocean Census is a global effort with global partners and success will be borne by our united endeavour.”
Dr Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director of Schmidt Ocean Institute
The Alliance
Technology
Technology
A Norwegian nonprofit developing the world’s largest research yacht to explore ocean health, sustainability, and marine ecosystem protection.
Technology
Technology
A deep-sea exploration submarine enabling scientists and filmmakers to study marine life and ecosystems at depths of up to 2,180 meters.
Founders
Founders
The Nippon Foundation, the largest non-profit foundation in Japan that was established in 1962 for the purpose of carrying out philanthropic activities.
Founders
Founders
Nekton’s mission is to advance the scientific exploration of the ocean. Nekton undertakes expeditions, applied research, storytelling, and knowledge exchange programmes, co-created and implemented with the Nekton Network.
Expeditions
Expeditions
The world’s largest scuba diving training organization, advocating for ocean conservation through education, certifications, and marine protection initiatives.
Expeditions
Expeditions
A scientific initiative supporting ocean conservation through research, expeditions, and advocacy, backed by Monaco’s Prince Albert II Foundation.
Expeditions, Science
Expeditions, Science
A strategic think tank promoting innovative policies and partnerships for ocean sustainability, conservation, and responsible marine governance.
Expeditions
Expeditions
A leader in private yacht expeditions, facilitating scientific research and conservation missions in remote ocean environments worldwide.
Expeditions
Expeditions
A leading institution providing training and research opportunities in scientific diving, focusing on underwater ecology, conservation, and marine archaeology.
Science
Science
A Spanish university conducting marine biodiversity research, oceanography studies, and conservation projects in the Canary Islands and beyond.
Science
Science
A global initiative mapping the entire ocean floor by 2030 to enhance marine exploration, conservation, and climate research.
Science
Science
A nonprofit supporting cutting-edge ocean research, deep-sea exploration, and technological innovation for marine conservation.
Science
Science
A marine DNA biorepository preserving genetic material from ocean species to support biodiversity research and conservation efforts.
Science
Science
A biotechnology hub providing mobile lab solutions for marine science, environmental research, and oceanographic exploration worldwide.
Science
Science
An Irish university advancing marine research, oceanography, and sustainability through scientific studies and global collaborative projects.
Media
Media
A leading marine conservation and science magazine, sharing stories on ocean exploration, wildlife, and sustainability to inspire global change.
Media
Media
A global news agency delivering trusted journalism, including coverage of ocean conservation, marine science, and environmental issues.
Science
Science
An Australian museum network conducting marine research, preserving ocean biodiversity specimens, and engaging in public science education.
Science
Science
The Canary Islands government, supporting marine research, ocean conservation, and sustainable development in the Atlantic region.
Science
Science
Spain’s leading oceanographic institute, researching marine ecosystems, fisheries, climate change, and ocean sustainability.
Science
Science
An Australian philanthropic organisation funding global ocean conservation, marine research, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Education
Education
An educational platform creating immersive learning experiences about ocean science, climate change, and environmental sustainability.
Science
Science
A Canary Islands museum dedicated to natural history, archaeology, and marine biodiversity research.
Science
Science
A leading genomics research institute advancing marine biodiversity studies through DNA sequencing and genetic analysis.
Science
Science
A German research institution studying biodiversity, marine ecosystems, and climate change impacts on the ocean.
Technology
Technology
A travel and expedition company offering luxury ocean experiences while supporting marine research and sustainability.
Technology
Technology
A biotech company developing portable DNA sequencing tools for marine research, biodiversity studies, and conservation.
Data
Data
A United Nations center tracking global marine biodiversity and supporting ocean conservation policies.
Data
Data
A global database providing authoritative taxonomic information on marine species, supporting biodiversity research, conservation, and scientific classification.
Alliance Partner Spotlight:
Open Cell
The Ocean Census journey is supported by Open Cell and their future-facing work to make state-of-the-art facilities more accessible.
The 21-day Macaronesia Tenerife Submersible and Diver Expedition has been facilitated by their innovative, mobile laboratory system, enabling researchers to start the taxonomic process within moments of specimens reaching the shore. The integration of advanced facilities and skills is critical to the Ocean Census mission.
Out-of-the-box thinking and processes that can streamline species identification and data gathering, and enhance the efficiency of research that is often conducted in remote and often challenging marine environments, is essential.
Join the Alliance
Join the census
An Alliance of scientists, governments, marine research institutes, museums, philanthropy, technology, media and civil society partners.
