A Global Mission

The mission of the Ocean Census is to accelerate the discovery of ocean life to advance fundamental science, empower conservation, and fuel innovation for the future of our planet.

Join the Census

The Ocean Census Alliance unites national and philanthropic marine institutes, museums, and universities, backed by governments, philanthropy, business and civil society partners.

News

PRESS RELEASE: First Footage of Live Juvenile Colossal Squid – filmed on the Ocean Census expedition to the South Sandwich Islands

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.

15/04/25

PRESS RELEASE: The Ocean Census Discovers Over 800 New Marine Species

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

10/03/25
A group of penguins stands atop a large, bright blue iceberg with crashing waves below, under a cloudy sky in Antarctica

Fire and Ice: Why Explore the Antarctic Waters Around the South Sandwich Islands?

In one of the most isolated regions on Earth, the Antarctic waters of the South Sandwich Islands’ are among the ecosystems that have been least studied globally.

25/02/25

Women in Science Day 2025 – Meet the Incredible Women involved in the process of Species Discovery

From deep-sea expeditions to DNA sequencing and scientific publishing, women are at the forefront of uncovering the ocean's hidden biodiversity.

10/02/25

Unearthing Marine Worms | Updates from Dr. Laetitia Gunton at the International Workshop on Polychaetes

The workshop brought together taxonomic specialists from across the world to work on these rare samples, including specimens that may not have been investigated otherwise.

06/02/25

Investigating Maldivian & Seychellois Samples at the Indian Ocean Species Discovery Workshop

The Indian Ocean Species Discovery Workshop (2025) unites global marine scientists to analyse sponges and octocorals from Nekton mission samples.

29/01/25

PAPER PUBLISHED: Sanctuary for vulnerable Arctic species at the newly discovered Borealis Mud Volcano

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.

28/01/25

Amid a Sea of Stars, Our Blue Planet Shines the Brightest: Insights from the 17th Deep Sea Biology Symposium

There has never been a better, nor more important time to be a marine biologist.

23/01/25

Spotlighting Dr Belén Arias

Highlighting the work of Dr Belén Arias, the Science Manager for Species Discovery & Sequencing at the Ocean Census

22/01/25

Expedition
Spotlight

Marshall Islands

27 July – 17 August 2025

The Ocean Census is joining the Ocean Exploration Trust on it’s Marshall Islands Expedition to explore biodiverse deep-sea habitats.

Join the census

The Ocean Census Alliance unites national and philanthropic marine institutes, museums, and universities, backed by governments, philanthropy, business and civil society partners.