News
Three new species of Argathona (Isopoda: Corallanidae) from Indonesian and Malaysian Borneo, with the first records from elasmobranch hosts
A study of Bornean corallanid isopods identified four Argathona species, including three new species. The findings expand known diversity, reveal novel associations with four elasmobranch hosts, and transfer Alcirona grandis to Argathona, highlighting poorly documented isopod biodiversity in the Coral Triangle.
07/11/25
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
Exploring the importance of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems (MCEs) with Participant Scientist Dr. Clara Diaz
Dr. Clara Diaz is a member of the Ocean Census Science Network and a postdoctoral Research fellow at the University of Plymouth. Clara recently joined the 10-day FAO Tanzania expedition, as part of The Nansen Programme, to explore benthic habitats off the coast of Tanzania.
29/10/25
Clinging onto Arctic Benthos: Biogeography of Amathillopsis spinigera Heller, 1875 (Crustacea: Amphipoda), including its redescription
A study of the Arctic crustacean Amathillopsis spinigera expands its known range to 11–3182 m and documents its first HAUSGARTEN records after 25 years of sampling. Integrative taxonomy, ROV observations and genetic data provide new insights into its ecology and circumarctic distribution.
21/10/25
A redescription and two new descriptions of gnathiid isopods (Isopoda, Gnathiidae) from South African museum collections (1898–1976)
Museum specimens from South Africa enabled the redescription of Gnathia spongicola and discovery of two new species, G. brevicula and G. lancifera. The study increases known Gnathiidae diversity in the Temperate Southern Africa marine realm to 11 species.
17/10/25
Revision of the genus Turridrupa (Gastropoda, Turridae) with description of 15 new species
A major revision of the Indo-Pacific gastropod genus Turridrupa recognises 30 species, including 15 new species. Morphological and genetic analyses support the species classifications, highlighting substantial previously overlooked diversity in tropical Indo-Pacific habitats.
15/10/25
New light in the North Pacific: Two new species of Typhlotanaidae (Crustacea: Tanaidacea) from the Aleutian region
An integrative study of Typhlamia from the Aleutian region reveals distinct lineages and suggests the genus may be polyphyletic. Findings highlight the Aleutian Trench as both a potential biogeographic barrier and an important hotspot for previously undocumented deep-sea diversity.
10/10/25
Bound by Sediment, Held by Family | Exploring The Fascinating World of Tanaidacea with Dr. Marta Gellert
Dr. Marta Gellert is coordinating the AccTaS project, a major international effort to advance knowledge of Tanaidacea, a diverse but under-studied order of small benthic crustaceans.
02/10/25
Polynoidae (Annelida) from bathyal and abyssal depths in southern and eastern Australia
A comprehensive review of deep-water polynoid worms around Australia identifies 21 species across 12 genera, including nine new species. Morphological and molecular analyses clarify their taxonomy and evolutionary relationships, providing the first extensive account of Australia’s deep-water Polynoidae.
01/10/25Expedition
Spotlight
Mar Del Plata Canyon
23 July – 12 August 2025
2025 Ocean Census Expedition Awardee, Dr. Daniel Lauretta of Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia, joined the Schmidt Ocean Institute as Chief Scientist on it’s Underwater Oases of the Mar Del Plata Canyon expedition.
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The Ocean Census Alliance unites national and philanthropic marine institutes, museums, and universities, backed by governments, philanthropy, business and civil society partners.
