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.

News

From COP16 to COP29: Using Marine Species Data to Drive Climate Action

By exploring where marine species data is being captured and how geographic biases impact global climate policy, we can begin to develop more inclusive, effective climate strategies.

07/11/24

Why should we care about Arctic Biodiversity? A message to COP16

In the icy depths of the Arctic Ocean lies a world that remains largely unknown to science, a hidden realm brimming with unique marine life and untapped biodiversity.

01/11/24

5 Deep-Sea Habitats: Highlighting the Diversity of the Ocean

Explore deep-sea habitats in the Arctic, showcasing unique ecosystems, mid-ocean ridges, and hydrothermal vent biodiversity.

16/10/24

Meet the Ocean Census Arctic Taxonomic Workshop Participant Scientists

Deep-sea exploration and the discovery of new species, along with chemosynthetic ecosystems, represent an exciting frontier in marine biology.

03/10/24

The Ocean Census featured in the latest Deadly 60 episode with Steve Backshall

We’re thrilled to announce that the Ocean Census will be featured in the latest series of Deadly 60 with Steve Backshall.

25/09/24

Understanding the Importance of Taxonomy & Classification systems: A Beginner’s Guide

Explore the importance of taxonomy in accelerating marine species discovery, with insights into classification and taxonomic workshops.

23/09/24

The Ocean Census Awards Recipients 2024

The Ocean Census Taxonomy and Event Awards 2024 recognize and support outstanding researchers who are advancing marine taxonomy and accelerating the discovery of new species.

19/09/24

PRESS RELEASE: The Ocean Census 2024 Taxonomy and Event Award Recipients Announced

The Ocean Census, the world’s largest initiative to accelerate ocean species discovery, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Taxonomy and Event Awards.

19/09/24
Arctic deep-sea isopod with a segmented body, adapted to survive extreme cold and pressure.

9 Incredible Arctic Deep Sea Animals Found on the Ocean Census 2024 Expedition

The enigmatic depths of the Arctic deep sea, are a realm where extraordinary animals have evolved to survive one of the planet’s harshest environments.

30/08/24

Expedition
Spotlight

JAMSTEC Shinkai

4 June – 23 June 2025

The JAMSTEC Shinkai Expedition is a 20-day research mission that brings together Japanese Agency of Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census.

The Ocean Census is a global effort with a bold vision. Together with our partners, we are accelerating the discovery of marine species, building a comprehensive genetic library of ocean life, and influencing ocean policies worldwide.

Join the census

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