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.

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

Microscopic meiofauna moves across a glass slide under a microscope. This extremophile organism, known for surviving extreme environments, is part of the biological sampling effort during the deep-sea expedition at the Nankai Trough dive site.

The Hidden Majority: James Fleming on the wonderful world of meiofauna

At a glance, marine sediment might seem lifeless, just mud beneath the waves. But for James Fleming, postdoctoral researcher at JAMSTEC, that mud holds entire worlds.

20/06/25

Unearthing Marine Worms | Updates from Dr. Laetitia Gunton at the International Workshop on Polychaetes

The workshop brought together taxonomic specialists from across the world to work on these rare samples, including specimens that may not have been investigated otherwise.

06/02/25

Investigating Maldivian & Seychellois Samples at the Indian Ocean Species Discovery Workshop

The Indian Ocean Species Discovery Workshop (2025) unites global marine scientists to analyse sponges and octocorals from Nekton mission samples.

29/01/25

PAPER PUBLISHED: Sanctuary for vulnerable Arctic species at the newly discovered Borealis Mud Volcano

One would think that a volcano was not the most hospitable place for living organisms. However, the Borealis Mud Volcano, at ~ 400 m water depth, acts as a sanctuary for a number of marine species.

28/01/25

“Why should we care about a ‘worm’?” | An Interview with Dr. Franziska Sophie Bergmeier, Solenogastres Expert

These small, "worm-like" creatures might not have the charismatic appeal of octopuses or dolphins, but they play a crucial role in ocean ecosystems and offer valuable insights into biodiversity and evolution.

16/01/25

That’s a Wrap! A timeline of Achievements at the Ocean Census in 2024

In 2024, the Ocean Census achieved exciting milestones in advancing the understanding and discovery of marine biodiversity.

20/12/24

Nominations are open for the WoRMS Top-Ten Marine Species of 2024

It's time to shine a light on the top ten remarkable new marine species from 2024.

18/12/24

Following the Nazca Ridge Expedition: The Chile Species Discovery Workshop

This species discovery workshop will allow us to uncover potential new species from the Nazca Ridge expedition.

05/12/24

The Ocean Census Awards 2024 funds more taxonomists to accelerate vital species discovery

These awards reflect our commitment to empowering taxonomists who are dedicated to identifying and classifying life in our oceans.

20/11/24
Join the census

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