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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In an astounding moment for ocean science, a juvenile Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni—the elusive colossal squid—has been captured alive on camera for the first time in its natural habitat.

The largest global mission to discover ocean life reveals over 800 newly discovered marine species.

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.