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.

PRESS RELEASE: The Ocean Census Embarks on First Deep-sea Expedition in Japan, Partnering with JAMSTEC 

In June 2025, the JAMSTEC will collaborate with the Ocean Census, deploying the renowned submersible Shinkai 6500 on a 20-day scientific voyage into some of Japan’s most mysterious deep-sea ecosystems.

03/06/25

PRESS RELEASE: New Coral Gardens and Hydrothermal Vents Found in the Icy Depths of the Remote South Sandwich Islands

An Ocean Census Flagship expedition and GoSouth team of scientists found suspected new species, discovered one of the island chain’s shallowest hydrothermal vents, and explored the deepest trench in the Southern Ocean.

29/05/25
A group of penguins stands atop a large, bright blue iceberg with crashing waves below, under a cloudy sky in Antarctica

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

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

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

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

5 Deep-Sea Habitats: Highlighting the Diversity of the Arctic Ocean

Explore deep-sea habitats in the Arctic, showcasing unique ecosystems, mid-ocean ridges, and hydrothermal vent biodiversity.

16/10/24

Meet the Ocean Census Arctic Taxonomic Workshop Participant Scientists

Deep-sea exploration and the discovery of new species, along with chemosynthetic ecosystems, represent an exciting frontier in marine biology.

03/10/24

The Ocean Census featured in the latest Deadly 60 episode with Steve Backshall

We’re thrilled to announce that the Ocean Census will be featured in the latest series of Deadly 60 with Steve Backshall.

25/09/24
Join the census

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