Our Top 12 highlights from
the Ocean Census in 2025
2025 Achievements
For the Ocean Census, 2025 has been filled with global expeditions, major species-discovery milestones, network growth, and expanded collaboration across the marine science community.
Let’s have a recap on some of the highlights throughout the months:
January 2025
Ocean Census Participant-led expedition to the Antarctic region
Three scientists from the Ocean Census science network participated in the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Antarctica expedition, ‘Climate Connections at the Ice-Sea Interface’, aboard the R/V Falkor too.
Incredible views of Antarctic Icebergs from the R/V Falkor too. Photo Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute
February 2025
We set off to the South Sandwich Islands on an expedition
Teaming up with the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the Ocean Census set off on a 33-day flagship expedition in search of new species in the cold depths. During this time, scientists uncovered new coral gardens and hydrothermal vents in the icy depths of one of the most remote ocean regions on Earth.
Schmidt Ocean Institute's R/V Falkor Too, off of Montagu Island in the Southern Ocean. Photo Credits: Paul Satchell, The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census / Schmidt Ocean Institute
March 2025
Our first ever major species-discovery announcement
Over 800 new species added to the Ocean Census catalogue. New species of shark, sea butterfly, mud dragon, bamboo coral, water bear, octocoral, sponge, shrimp, crab, reef fish, squat lobster, pipehorse, limpet, hooded shrimp, sea spiders and brittle stars have been added to the Biodiversity Data Platform, significantly expanding our understanding of ocean biodiversity.
A newly discovered species of Guitar Shark (Rhinobatos sp.). Photo Credit: The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census – Sergey-Bogorodsky
April 2025
First Footage of Live Juvenile Colossal Squid
A rare and remarkable live colossal squid was filmed for the first time during the South Sandwich Islands expedition – highlighting the importance of our deep-ocean exploration efforts.
First confirmed live observation of the colossal squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, at depth in its natural habitat. Photo Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute
May 2025
The Science Network hits a milestone
The Ocean Census Science Network surpassed 1,000 members, reinforcing our global community of marine scientists, taxonomists and researchers collaborating to document ocean life.
The Nazca Ridge expedition team on board the R/V Falkor Too. Photo Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute
June 2025
The Ocean Census x JAMSTEC Shinkai expedition commences
The Ocean Census collaborated with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). This flagship expedition saw the renowned submersible Shinkai 6500 being deployed into some of Japan’s most mysterious deep-sea ecosystems.
Diver clears Shinkai 6500 after attaching crane. dive site, Shichiyo Seamounts. Photo Credit: Paul Satchell-The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census/©JAMSTEC
July 2025
Taxonomists unite at the third Chile workshop
This workshop focused on samples from the ‘High Seas and Seamounts of the Nazca Ridge’ participant expedition, engaging local and international taxonomists. A suspected 20 new species arose from this expedition.
The Chile Workshop 3 taxonomists, and the Ocean Census team in attendance. Photo credit: Universidad Catolica del Norte
August 2025
Announcement of the 2025 Species Discovery Awardees
Recognising 19 incredible researchers – studying a remarkable diversity of geographies and ecosystems. From coral reefs to deep-sea habitats, their collective efforts will accelerate our understanding of Earth’s hidden marine biodiversity.
Dr. Pamela Ruth Rivadeneira, a Species Discovery Awardee for 2025 who's research focusses on Asteroidea (Sea stars). Photo credits: Martin Hartley
September 2025
Sponsored and participated in the World Sponge Conference, Portugal
Strengthening our engagement with sponge research and highlighting Ocean Census’s commitment to lesser-appreciated, yet ecologically abundant and critical taxa.
Dr Verity Nye (Science Manager – Network, Workshops & Awards), Javier Cristobo (Sponge Expert), and Corinne Spiller (Social Media Manager) by the Ocean Census booth at the World Sponge Conference.
October 2025
The viral “death-ball” sponge news
The discoveries follow two 2025 research cruises with Schmidt Ocean Institute and were verified at the Southern Ocean Species Discovery Workshop hosted by Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile (August 2025).
The newly discovered Carnivorous Tree Sponge. Photo credit: The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, Schmidt Ocean Institute
Jackline Adhiambo, an Ocean Census expedition participant scientist, on board the R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen for the FAO Nansen Programme. Photo Credit: FAO
December 2025
Participation in the annual Meiofauna conference, India
Highlighting small but ecologically vital organisms, and reinforcing our commitment to comprehensive biodiversity documentation, ranging from microorganisms to megafauna.
Verity Nye, Science Manager at Ocean Census, at the Meiofauna Conference. Photo Credit: Verity Nye
Join us in 2026
Want to get involved with our mission in the new year?
You can join the science network and register your new species discovery today.
Or if you’d like to stay updated on our exciting updates, then keep up to date by following our socials.
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Join the census
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