News

In July 2026, taxonomic experts will gather in Buenos Aires, Argentina for the Ocean Census Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) Argentina Species Discovery Workshop. Continuing the legacy of the SOI Underwater Oases of the Mar del Plata Canyon expedition (2025), the workshop is the next stage in highlighting the marine biodiversity of this underexplored South Atlantic ecosystem.

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.

Describing five new genera and nine new species of the deep-sea tanaidacean family Tanaellidae from New Zealand and Antarctica. The study highlights their significant contribution to deep-sea biodiversity while showing the family's evolutionary relationships remain unresolved.

A new deep-sea nematode, Greeffiella bellula sp. nov., is described as the first desmoscolecid recorded from New Zealand waters. Phylogenetic analyses confirm its genus placement, provide a revised species key, and challenge existing relationships within Desmoscolecidae.

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.

A new trematode, Lobosorchis labri, was discovered in wrasses at Ningaloo Reef, representing the first Lobosorchis species known from wrasses rather than snappers. Evidence suggests it evolved through a recent host switch, becoming specialised to Hemigymnus wrasses.

This World Art Day (15th April), the Ocean Census is highlighting the enduring craft of scientific sketches. In an era dominated by digital documentation, this hand-drawn approach to specimen identification demonstrates that careful, observational practice remains as vital as ever in the discovery and understanding of new species.

A taxonomic reassessment of Terebra straminea clarifies species identities, validates two historical synonyms, describes two new large-bodied species, and supports the reinstatement of Terebra myuros as a distinct species, refining classification within the group.