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.

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

Nominations are open for the WoRMS Top-Ten Marine Species of 2024

WoRMS Marine Species 2024

18/12/24 | maya

Taxonomists have once again dazzled us with extraordinary discoveries in 2024, and now it’s your turn to celebrate their work by nominating species for the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) Top Ten Marine Species of 2024.

This list highlights fascinating new marine species, adding to our understanding of the diversity of life in our ocean. Check out last year’s list here.

WoRMS will unveil the 2024 list on World Taxonomist Appreciation Day – March 19th, 2025.

Celebrate marine biodiversity and the incredible work of taxonomists – nominate today and help us honour the wonders of the ocean’s biodiversity.

WoRMS is part of the Ocean Census Alliance and a vital partner in our goal to accelerate the discovery of ocean species.

Every day in labs, museums, and out on fieldwork, taxonomists are busy collecting, cataloguing, identifying, comparing, describing, and naming species new to science.

Find out more about our mission.

Nominations are now open

How to Nominate A Species

If you’d like to get involved through nominations or becoming a part of the decision panel, then check out the steps on the WoRMS webpage.

Deadline for Nominations: Friday, February 7th, 2025.

Join the census

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