The Mission
Accelerating the discovery of ocean life
Why This Mission Matters
71%
The ocean covers most of our planet, yet remains largely unexplored
240k
Only 240,000 marine species have been formally identified
13.5yr
The average time it takes to describe a species
1-2 mil
Estimated number of undiscovered marine species
10%
Just 10% of ocean life has been documented
The
Goals of the Census
Discover
The
Goals of the Census
Empower
The
Goals of the Census
Inform
The
Goals of the Census
Engage
Ocean exploration is often
compared to space exploration
“Too many species remain in limbo for years because the process of formally describing them is too slow. We urgently need to change that and adding the Species Discovery step gives us a way to rapidly start the process. Every new species—whether a shark or a sponge—deepens our understanding of marine ecosystems and the benefits they provide for the planet.”
Prof Lucy Woodall, Interim Head of Science at the Ocean Census
Join us in
the mission
Scientists
Advance marine research by contributing your expertise to species discovery, expeditions, and biodiversity analysis. Join our global network of scientists working to identify ocean life faster than ever before.
01Research Institutes
Partner with us to host Discovery Workshops, collaborate on expeditions, and integrate the Ocean Census into your research initiatives. Help expand the scientific reach of marine biodiversity exploration.
02Governments & Policy Makers
We are developing opportunities for governments to use Ocean Census data for biodiversity management, science grants, and marine research infrastructure.
03Civil Society Organisations
Align programmes, campaigns, investments and jointly undertake initiatives to scale species discovery and advance the protection of ocean life.
04Business & Enterprises
Innovate with us by supporting marine exploration, investing in ocean technology, and aligning your sustainability goals with the world’s largest effort to discover and protect ocean life.
05Philanthropy & Funders
Fuel the next frontier of species discovery by funding expeditions, supporting taxonomists, and ensuring biodiversity research remains open and accessible for generations to come.
06Latest
News
PRESS RELEASE: The Ocean Census Discovers Over 800 New Marine Species
The largest global mission to discover ocean life reveals over 800 newly discovered marine species.
10/03/25
Fire and Ice: Why Explore the Antarctic Waters Around the South Sandwich Islands?
In one of the most isolated regions on Earth, the Antarctic waters of the South Sandwich Islands’ are among the ecosystems that have been least studied globally.
25/02/25
9 Incredible Arctic Deep Sea Animals Found on the Ocean Census 2024 Expedition
The enigmatic depths of the Arctic deep sea, are a realm where extraordinary animals have evolved to survive one of the planet’s harshest environments.
30/08/24Join the census
An alliance of scientists, governments, marine research institutes, museums, philanthropy, technology, media and civil society partners.
