PRESS RELEASE: Japan’s Deep Ocean Reveals Dozens of New Species from Landmark 2025 Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census – JAMSTEC Expedition
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.
10/03/26
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
The Ocean Census funds a further six taxonomists from the Species Discovery Awards 2025
The Ocean Census are supporting an additional 6 taxonomists in their crucial work of discovering new species through the Ocean Census Awards.
12/12/25
Nominations are open for the WoRMS Top Ten Marine Species of 2025
WoRMS Top Ten Marine Species of 2025 is now open for nominations - it's time to submit your species.
11/12/25
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
Ocean Census Year 2 Impact Report
The Ocean Census accelerated discovery in 2025 through global expeditions, empowering scientists, funding taxonomy, whilst engaging thousands worldwide.
03/09/25
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
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.
03/06/25Join the census
The Ocean Census Alliance unites national and philanthropic marine institutes, museums, and universities, backed by governments, philanthropy, business and civil society partners.

























