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.

Join the Census

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

Philanthropy & Funders

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Support the Census

The Ocean Census is reimagining discovery –  fast, open, collaborative, equitable and at scale – operating in high priority regions to advance knowledge, empower conservation and strengthen capacity.

The Ocean Census is funded through philanthropy, grants and partnerships – underpinning the program – and enabling expeditions, Species Discovery Workshops and Awards, unlocking legacy collections, open-data publishing and public and policy engagement.

“Schmidt Ocean Institute is proud to be a partner with the Ocean Census, whose strength lies in its vast network. By uniting governments, philanthropic supporters, and leading marine research organisations, we can accelerate the discovery of ocean life at an unprecedented scale”

Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director, Schmidt Ocean Institute.

By joining the Ocean Census, philanthropists can help transform our knowledge of ocean life, empower conservation and fuel innovation to sustain and advance all life on Earth.

Support the
Census

Accelerate
the Discovery of New Species

Fund
Scientific Research & Open-Access Data

Influence
Global Marine Policies

Build
Capacity for Taxonomists & Scientists

Expand
the Open-Access Biodiversity Database

Support efforts to identify, classify, and register marine species to enhance our understanding of ocean biodiversity.

Enable the use of AI-driven taxonomy, genetic sequencing, and deep-sea exploration technology to advance species identification.

Ensure newly discovered species and biodiversity data inform ocean governance, climate adaptation, and ecosystem management strategies.

Fund training programmes, taxonomic research, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that strengthen biodiversity expertise worldwide.

Your support helps create a permanent scientific resource for researchers, governments, and conservation organisations.


How Philanthropy Can Make a Difference

Scaling species discovery in priority areas

Undertaking expeditions and scaling species discovery globally through Workshops and Awards – enabling taxonomists to identify, classify, and describe marine species faster – from legacy collections and ongoing expeditions – in places that matter most.

Technology Innovation

Accelerating the speed of species discovery through developing AI-powered classification tools, genetic sequencing platforms, and high-resolution imaging technologies to accelerate the speed of species discovery.

Strengthening Research & Training Capacity

Empowering the next generation of marine biologists, taxonomists, and biodiversity researchers through participation in the Ocean Census – in expeditions, Species Discovery Workshops, Awards and technology innovation.

Join the census

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