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
Founding Partners
The Nippon Foundation, the largest non-profit foundation in Japan that was established in 1962 for the purpose of carrying out philanthropic activities in areas that extend from eradicating leprosy, providing free education, food security, and above all, issues that surround the marine environment and maritime safety.
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—an alliance of over 100 scientific, government, business, philanthropic, and civil society partners. Together, Nekton works to create a more valued ocean, recognised for its essential role in supporting all life on earth. Nekton is a not-profit charitable foundation, operating globally with headquarters in the UK.
The Alliance
Science, Education
Science, Education
A multidisciplinary museum within University of Bergen, Norway, maintaining one of the country’s largest natural- and cultural-history collections, conducting research and public engagement across botany, geology, zoology, archaeology and anthropology.
Science, Education
Science, Education
A marine research and education institution based in Ceuta, Spain, dedicated to preserving marine biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Strait and Alborán Sea.
Science, Education
Science, Education
The national public university of the Comoros, founded in 2003, offering a broad range of programmes across sciences, humanities and technology to support regional development.
Science, Education
Science, Education
University of Helsinki is Finland’s oldest and largest research university, home to around 40,000 students and researchers, offering multidisciplinary education.
Technology, Education
Technology, Education
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a modern public research university in Auckland, New Zealand, known for practical learning, industry partnerships and strong support for Māori and Pacific students.
Expeditions
Expeditions
Priavo Security’s Maritime 360 Alliance is a comprehensive, multi-layered security service designed for superyachts and maritime assets.
Media
Media
A global photography competition celebrating ocean-life, adventure and conservation, where photographers from all levels submit striking imagery to spotlight our blue planet and its urgent protection.
Media
Media
The United Kingdom’s public-service broadcaster, delivering television, radio and online content globally with a commitment to impartial news, informative programmes and cultural enrichment.
Science, Education
Science, Education
Lehigh University (UH) is a private research university in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, that empowers students through collaborative research, mentorship, and real-world problem solving.
Science
Science
A UK-registered charity promoting the exchange and dissemination of deep-sea biology research, supporting early-career scientists, encouraging demographic diversity, and providing grants, resources and conferences for its community.
Expeditions
Expeditions
A marine-research and deep-diving team dedicated to exploring mesophotic coral ecosystems in tropical seas, documenting uncharted biodiversity and advocating for ocean conservation.
Data
Data
The United Nations-mandated body that coordinates global ocean science, observations, tsunami warning systems and capacity building to support sustainable development of the ocean.
Expeditions
Expeditions
The governing body of Tenerife, Spain, managing public services, infrastructure, culture, and tourism to support residents and visitors across the island.
Science
Science
A national research facility of South Africa’s National Research Foundation, providing long-term environmental observation, data management and education-outreach platforms to monitor ecosystem change.
Science, Education
Science, Education
An Indonesian state university based in Bogor, specialising in agriculture, life sciences and natural resources, offering multidisciplinary education and research globally recognised in its field.
Science
Science
Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB) is a Spanish public research centre leading biotechnology research across health, food and environment challenges through cutting-edge molecular biology and technology transfer.
Science
Science
Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance (SOSA) is a global initiative from Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt accelerating discovery, description and protection of marine invertebrates.
Science
Science
Promotes and supports research excellence by funding research, building human capacity and research infrastructure, and engaging the public in science in South Africa
Science
Science
Institute of Marine Research (IMR) is one of Europe’s largest marine science institutes, specialising in research, advisory services and monitoring to support sustainable use of marine ecosystems and resources.
Data
Data
A specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger, improve nutrition, and achieve food security for all.
Expeditions, Science
Expeditions, Science
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia’s national science agency, driving innovation through science and technology to tackle the country’s biggest challenges.
Science
Science
SAIAB is South Africa’s national aquatic biodiversity institute, conducting freshwater and marine research, maintaining the National Fish Collection, and supporting innovation in genomics, ecology, and ocean sciences.
Science
Science
A South African NGO dedicated to protecting and restoring terrestrial and marine ecosystems while empowering communities and promoting resilience through science-based conservation and development programmes.
Expeditions
Expeditions
A luxury travel company that crafts fully custom, private-guided journeys—with expert destination specialists designing itinerary around specific interests, pace, and style.
Expeditions
Expeditions
The Union of the Comoros comprises three small islands (Anjouan, Grande Comore, Mohéli) in the Indian Ocean, north of the Mozambique Channel and northeast of Madagascar.
Expeditions, Science
Expeditions, Science
A project highlighting marine conservation efforts in the Union of the Comoros, showcasing advocacy, protection of marine biodiversity, and community-led initiatives.
Expeditions
Expeditions
The live-ocean-exploration platform of the Ocean Exploration Trust, streaming deep-sea expeditions aboard the research vessel E/V Nautilus, enabling scientists, educators and the public to explore the seafloor in real-time.
Expeditions, Science
Expeditions, Science
France’s national marine science institute, dedicated to researching oceans, sustainably managing marine resources and ecosystems, and sharing marine data globally.
Science, Education
Science, Education
A leading public research university in Barcelona, founded in 1450, offering a wide range of disciplines and recognised nationally for excellence in teaching and innovation.
Education
Education
New Zealand’s national museum, recognised for being bicultural, scholarly, innovative, and fun. It hosts over two million items and serves as a world-class visitor destination, cultural repository and major research institution.
Expeditions, Science
Expeditions, Science
Driving economic growth and wellbeing through increasing returns from the use of New Zealand’s natural resources and environments, enhancing energy security, building hazard resilience and increasing prosperity in a changing climate.
Technology
Technology
JAMSTEC is Japan’s national institute advancing ocean and Earth science through deep-sea research, climate studies, and innovative marine technology development.
Science, Education
Science, Education
UiT The Arctic University of Norway is Norway’s northernmost university, a multi-campus institution conducting research and education across the High North, with key strengths in Arctic studies, climate change, marine and health sciences.
Science, Education
Science, Education
A public Chilean university located in Punta Arenas, dedicated to education and research focused on Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and the Antarctic region.
Science
Science
A Chilian, Catholic-affiliated higher education institution delivering 100% virtual programs, committed to inclusive, quality education grounded in humanist values and technological access.
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
An Australian museum network conducting marine research, preserving ocean biodiversity specimens, and engaging in public science education.
Science
Science
A Canary Islands museum dedicated to natural history, archaeology, and marine biodiversity research.
Education
Education
An educational platform creating immersive learning experiences about ocean science, climate change, and environmental sustainability.
Science
Science
An Australian philanthropic organisation funding global ocean conservation, marine research, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Science
Science
Spain’s leading oceanographic institute, researching marine ecosystems, fisheries, climate change, and ocean sustainability.
Science
Science
The Canary Islands government, supporting marine research, ocean conservation, and sustainable development in the Atlantic region.
Science, Education
Science, Education
An Irish university advancing marine research, oceanography, and sustainability through scientific studies and global collaborative projects.
Media
Media
A global news agency delivering trusted journalism, including coverage of ocean conservation, marine science, and environmental issues.
Media
Media
A leading marine conservation and science magazine, sharing stories on ocean exploration, wildlife, and sustainability to inspire global change.
Science, Education
Science, Education
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
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.
Join the Alliance
Join the census
The Ocean Census Alliance unites national and philanthropic marine institutes, museums, and universities, backed by governments, philanthropy, business and civil society partners.
