FAQs

The ocean produces over half of the oxygen we breathe, regulates our climate, and supports billions of people—yet over 90% of marine species remain undiscovered. Without understanding ocean life, we cannot protect it. Species discovery helps inform conservation, climate adaptation, and scientific advancements, including potential new medicines and biotechnologies.

The Ocean Census is committed to ethical and sustainable research practices, ensuring that every specimen collected contributes to a greater understanding of marine biodiversity while minimising environmental impact.

• Definitive species identification requires physical specimens—anatomical structures, DNA, and other biological markers must be examined to confirm new species.
• Technology isn’t advanced enough yet—AI, imaging, and environmental DNA (eDNA) are improving but cannot fully replace physical specimens for taxonomic classification.
• Science supports conservation—without formal classification, species remain invisible to conservation efforts and environmental policies.

• Limited and targeted sampling—only a small number of specimens are collected per species.
• Host nation collaboration—ensuring research benefits local scientists, communities, and conservation efforts.
• Adhering to international guidelines—following protocols for ethical marine research and biodiversity protection.

While the future of taxonomy may rely less on physical sampling, species identification today still requires direct specimen collection. Until alternative technologies are fully developed, our responsibility is to ensure that each sample collected strengthens efforts to protect ocean biodiversity.

• Discovered – A species is classified as ‘discovered’ when experts determine—using morphological characteristics and, if necessary, genetic sequencing—that it is new to science. All discoveries are published open access in the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform with biological specimens curated in national taxonomy collections.
• Described – A species is considered ‘described’ once its classification is published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, with an official scientific name assigned and a holotype deposited in a national museum or taxonomic repository. This process typically takes 13.5 years, but the Ocean Census is working to significantly reduce this timeframe.

• Latin names are assigned by the scientists who describe the species.
• Common names may be chosen in consultation with host nation scientists or the public.

Species discoveries are announced once scientific verification and classification are completed. This process usually takes place during our Species discovery Workshops. This involves DNA analysis, morphological examination, and expert validation. The Ocean Census regularly shares updates through our website, newsletters, and social media.

Species Discovery Workshops bring together leading taxonomists, geneticists, and ecologists to identify, describe, and classify species collected during expeditions. These workshops:

• Facilitate rapid species analysis and description.
• Provide training opportunities for researchers and early-career scientists.
• Ensure data is processed efficiently and made openly accessible.

Workshops are open to scientists in the Ocean Census Science Network. Researchers, taxonomists, and institutions interested in participating can:

• Apply to join a Discovery Workshop.
• Provide expertise in species classification.
• Collaborate on taxonomy research and publications.

The Ocean Census is the largest global initiative to discover and document ocean life, accelerating species identification and biodiversity research. By using advanced technology, international collaboration, and open-access data sharing, the Ocean Census is revolutionising how we explore and protect marine ecosystems.

The Ocean Census was launched in 2023 by The Nippon Foundation and Nekton. It is powered by a growing global alliance of scientists, research institutions, governments, and technology partners.

The Ocean Census builds on the incredible legacy of past ocean exploration programmes, including the Challenger Expedition (1872–1876), the Census of Marine Life (2000–2010). These pioneering efforts laid the foundation for our understanding of marine biodiversity, uncovering new species and advancing ocean exploration.

What makes the Ocean Census different is the scale, speed, and open-access approach. Traditionally, species discovery has been a slow, resource-intensive process, taking an average of 13.5 years from collection to formal classification. The Ocean Census is accelerating this by integrating high-resolution imaging, DNA sequencing, artificial intelligence, and global data-sharing networks to make species identification faster, more accessible, and collaborative.

Follow the Ocean Census on social media for live updates, discoveries, and expedition news:

• Instagram: @oceancensus
• Twitter/X: /oceancensus
• LinkedIn: /oceancensus
• YouTube: Ocean Census
• Bluesky: Ocean Census
• Newsletter: Join the Science Network

The Ocean Census office is based in Oxford, UK. Our office address is: Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire, OX5 1PF.

Contact us on enquires@oceancensus.org or via the contact form.

Scientists use deep-sea and coastal expeditions, high-resolution imaging, DNA sequencing, and machine learning to identify and classify new species at an unprecedented pace.

Cybertaxonomy (otherwise known as ‘integrated taxonomy’) is a future-facing approach to species identification that aims to integrate high-resolution imaging, DNA sequencing, and machine learning to accelerate species discovery.

Outlined in the Ocean Census white paper, this vision aspires to create ‘Digital Life Forms’ (DLFs)—a digital representation of each new species, combining genetic, morphological, and environmental data. Once the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform is fully established, work can begin on developing the necessary tools to make this aspiration a reality.

Previously referred to as the Cyber-Biodiversity System, the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform is an open-access digital publishing platform for new species data from the Ocean Census combining taxonomic and sequence data, and traditional morphology-based classification. The data is available for scientists, conservationists, policy makers and the public to advance biodiversity science, climate action and ocean governance.

All Ocean Census data is open-access for non-commercial scientific research and conservation use.

• Specimens and species data from national waters are owned by the host nation, following international agreements such as the Nagoya Protocol.
• In international waters, data is considered part of the global commons, ensuring it benefits all of humanity.

Our estimates suggest that discovering 100,000 new species could require at least US$1 billion, continued technological advancements, and an expanding global network of collaborators. The Ocean Census is laying the groundwork to make large-scale species discovery a reality, but its impact will ultimately be determined by how this knowledge is used to support marine protection, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation.

Aimed at empowering scientists and researchers in marine taxonomy, the Species Discovery Awards focus on accelerating species discovery and building capacity in this critical field. The awards help recipients overcome financial barriers related to fieldwork, specimen preparation, publication and event/conference attendance.

In order to accelerate the pace of discovery significantly, we’re building the Ocean Census Science Network, a global community passionate about driving forward our mission, helping to coordinate opportunities, resources and collaborate. 

Globally, thousands of taxonomists, biologists, data scientists, technicians and curators are working in a diverse number of roles to uncover the secrets of ocean life.

Learn more and register here.

The Ocean Census Science Network is open to scientists, taxonomists, geneticists, ecologists, and conservationists with expertise in species identification, marine biodiversity, or related fields.

• Open to early-career and experienced researchers.
• Open to citizen scientists contributing to marine biodiversity research.
• Applicants must be over 18 years old and able to submit applications in English.

Join the Network

The Ocean Census explores deep-sea and coastal environments across the Pacific, Indian, Atlantic, and Southern Oceans. Locations are chosen based on areas identified as having gaps in the biodiversity data, biodiversity priorities, and research collaboration opportunities.

Expedition sites are chosen based on:

• Biodiversity hotspots – Areas with high numbers of undocumented species.
• Scientific priority – Locations that fill critical knowledge gaps.
• Collaboration opportunities – Expeditions co-planned with local scientists and governments.

• Samples are sent to Ocean Census Discovery Workshops for analysis, high-resolution imaging, and DNA sequencing.
• Voucher specimens are stored in museums and research institutions worldwide.
• Data is added to the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform, making it freely available for science, conservation, and policymaking.

The Ocean Census follows a co-planning and co-production model, ensuring that:

• Host nations and local scientists are actively involved in research.
• Data ownership aligns with the Nagoya Protocol and other international agreements.
• Indigenous and local knowledge is respected and integrated into conservation efforts.

The Ocean Census partners with philanthropic, government, and academic fleets, using a mix of:

• Large research vessels – Currently fuel-powered but transitioning towards sustainable options (e.g., hydrogen and ammonium).
• Shore-based & nearshore expeditions – Lower carbon footprint missions.
• Advanced subsea technology – Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), submersibles, and deep-sea imaging tools.

While the long-term goal is to transition to fully sustainable research platforms, deep-sea exploration currently relies on existing vessel technology. Until cleaner alternatives are available, our focus is on maximising efficiency, minimising impact, and supporting advancements in sustainable ocean science.

Opportunities to participate in expeditions are available for scientists registered to the Science Network, and research institutions and technology partners who are members of the Alliance. You can:

• Apply as a taxonomist, geneticist, or marine biologist to assist in species identification.
• Partner with Ocean Census to host an expedition or provide research vessels.
• Contribute expertise in AI, deep-sea imaging, or genomic sequencing.

The difference between Flagship, Participant, and Endorsed Expeditions lies in the level of involvement, support, and alignment with Ocean Census’ mission and goals.

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.

PARTICIPANT 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.

ENDORSED EXPEDITIONS
These are independent expeditions recognised and supported by the Ocean Census for their alignment with its goals.

Key Differences at a Glance

Success for the Ocean Census is about transforming how marine species are discovered and documented. Key measures of impact include:

• Accelerating the rate of species discovery through advanced technology and global collaboration.
• Making biodiversity data openly accessible for science, conservation, and policy.
• Strengthening global partnerships between scientists, governments, and institutions.
• Building capacity in taxonomy and marine research, particularly in underrepresented regions.

While identifying 100,000 new species is a bold ambition, achieving this scale will require long-term investment, continued technological advancements, and an expanding global network of collaborators. The Ocean Census is laying the groundwork to make large-scale species discovery a reality, but its impact will ultimately be determined by how this knowledge is used to support marine protection, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation.

When the Ocean Census first launched, the project envisioned a Biodiversity Centres framework. The strategy has since evolved into a decentralised network of scientists participating from over 400 institutions worldwide—a more agile framework that unites diverse skills and resources globally.

The loss of ocean life is an existential crisis, but we have a window of opportunity—perhaps a decade—to make a difference. By pioneering new methods and mobilising global collaboration, the Ocean Census is ensuring that every species we uncover strengthens our ability to protect marine ecosystems for future generations.

Marine species have contributed to life-saving medicines, including cancer treatments, antivirals, and painkillers. The Ocean Census is not involved in bioprospecting but is committed to making biodiversity data open-access to support future scientific breakthroughs.

Around 1-2 million species are currently estimated to live in the ocean. Approximately 240,000 marine species have been discovered and named to date through various projects and studies prior to the Ocean Census.

The Ocean Census welcomes journalists, filmmakers, and media organisations to help share the story of ocean life discovery. Opportunities for press include:

• Join an Expedition – Apply to embed with Ocean Census teams on select expeditions.
• Exclusive Interviews – Speak with the Ocean Census scientists, expedition leaders, and partners. We have a growing Science Network of over 1000 experts.
• Expedition & Discovery Updates – Receive press releases and early access to breakthrough discoveries.
• Behind-the-Scenes Content – Get access to imagery, footage, and data from our global missions.
• Event & Conference Coverage – Attend the Ocean Census panels, summits, and launches.