The Ocean Census is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Species Discovery Awards — a celebration of the pioneering scientists and taxonomists driving the discovery and description of life in our ocean.

World’s largest mission to accelerate species discovery reveals extraordinary new life forms from some of Earth’s most extreme and unexplored environments.

The Ocean Census drove species discovery forward in year 3 through global expeditions, an expanded science network, and the launch of the Ocean Census NOVA data platform.

Following the Ocean Census-JAMSTEC expedition, scientists have confirmed the discovery of 38 new species and identified 28 further potential new species across two of Japan’s most understudied deep-sea regions: the Nankai Trough and the Shichiyo Seamount Chain.

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.

The Ocean Census are supporting an additional 6 taxonomists in their crucial work of discovering new species through the Ocean Census Awards.

WoRMS Top Ten Marine Species of 2025 is now open for nominations - it's time to submit your species.

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.

The Ocean Census accelerated discovery in 2025 through global expeditions, empowering scientists, funding taxonomy, whilst engaging thousands worldwide.