A Global Mission

The mission of the Ocean Census is to accelerate the discovery of ocean life to advance fundamental science, empower conservation, and fuel innovation for the future of our planet.

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.

“The Perfect Pair” Symbiotic Relationships of the Deep Blue

They say that two is better than one, and for some marine species, living as a pair means that they are able to survive, adapt, and thrive in complex and often challenging underwater environments.

10/02/26

Deepest gas hydrate cold seep ever discovered during the Ocean Census Arctic Deep expedition

A team of international scientists from UiT (The Arctic University of Norway), have discovered the deepest known gas hydrate cold seep ever, located 3,640 metres below the surface on the Molloy Ridge in the Greenland Sea.

10/01/26

Our Top 12 highlights from the Ocean Census in 2025

In 2025, the Ocean Census achieved exciting milestones in advancing the understanding and discovery of marine biodiversity.

05/01/26
A long, spiraling siphonophore glows with vivid golden tendrils that trail like cascading tinsel in dark water, giving a christmas-like shimmer to this drifting colonial marine species.

Tis’ the SEAson: 12 Christmas Inspired Marine Species

In the spirit of the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” we’ve gathered twelve remarkable marine species whose colours, shapes, and surprising behaviors capture the wonder of the season. 

17/12/25

Exploring sustainable fishing practices in Kenya’s coastal region with participant Scientist Jackline Adhiambo

Participant scientist, Jackline Adhiambo, recently completed an expedition exploring Kenya's coastal region with the FAO. Here she used her background as the invertebrate expert to support the identification of specimens from trawl catches.

20/11/25

PRESS RELEASE: Carnivorous “Death-Ball” Sponge Among 30 New Deep-Sea Species from the Southern Ocean

Thirty previously unknown deep-sea species, including a carnivorous “death-ball” sponge, have been confirmed from one of the most remote parts of the planet by The Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census and collaborators.

29/10/25

Exploring the importance of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems (MCEs) with Participant Scientist Dr. Clara Diaz

Dr. Clara Diaz is a member of the Ocean Census Science Network and a postdoctoral Research fellow at the University of Plymouth. Clara recently joined the 10-day FAO Tanzania expedition, as part of The Nansen Programme, to explore benthic habitats off the coast of Tanzania.

29/10/25

The Ocean Census Announces 2025 Species Discovery Awardees

The Ocean Census is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Species Discovery Awards — a celebration of the pioneering scientists and taxonomists driving the discovery and description of life in our ocean.

22/08/25

The Ocean Census Announces 2025 Expedition Awardees

After receiving submissions from around the world, the Ocean Census is proud to announce the six recipients of the first-ever Ocean Census Expedition Awards - a new programme designed to accelerate global marine species discovery by directly supporting those on the front lines of ocean science.

08/08/25
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.