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.

Science
Network

The Ocean Census Science Network is a worldwide community of marine biologists, taxonomists, geneticists, ecologists, and conservationists working together to accelerate species discovery and expand our knowledge of ocean life. By combining cutting-edge technology, collaborative research, and open-access data, we are transforming how ocean biodiversity is discovered, classified, and understood.

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Why Join the Science Network

Gain Field Experience & Research Funding

Join expeditions, analyse new species in Discovery Workshops, and apply for Species Discovery Awards to support taxonomy, genetics, and field research.

Collaborate with a Global Scientific Community

Connect with leading marine biologists, conservationists, and geneticists. Participate in conferences, workshops, and networking events to share discoveries.

Access Cutting-Edge Data & Training

Utilise open-source biodiversity data, genetic sequencing, and imaging tools. Stay informed with specialist training and research updates in taxonomy and species identification.

How the Science Network
Contributes to the Census

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Expeditions

Co-developing, leading and / or participating in Ocean Census Expeditions.

Species Discovery
Workshops

Hosting or participating in Workshops, harnessing high resolution imaging, genetic sequencing to accelerate species identification

Species Discovery
Awards

Apply for funding to participate in expeditions, advance species discovery from legacy collections and promote discoveries


Data Publishing & Access

All data from the Census is published open access on the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform to inform and advance biodiversity conservation

Registering
New Species

Scientists are invited to register all new species discovered with the Census and contribute to the global effort.

Scientist
Distribution


Ocean Census Scientist Distribution

1000+ MEMBERS

500+ INSTITUTIONS

77 COUNTRIES

See where in the world our science network members are based.

The Impact of the Science Network

The Science Network is already making a significant impact in global marine research. Since 2023, over 800 new species have been identified through collaborative taxonomy efforts. Additionally, 8 Discovery Workshops have been hosted in partnership with leading institutions, and 93 scientists have been funded to participate in expeditions and research projects.

Dr. Dave Ebert

The Lost Shark Guy

“Despite this renaissance in shark taxonomy, support for new species descriptions is lacking. Support from the Ocean Census Species Discovery Award will be crucial to advancing the descriptions of new shark species before they vanish!”

Species Discovery
Awards

The Ocean Census Species Discovery Awards provide direct funding to taxonomists and marine researchers to support species discovery. These awards aim to:

  • Unlock legacy collections – of specimens in museums and marine research institutes.
  • Expand global taxonomy capacity in high-, middle-, and low-income nations.
  • Support the discovery of new marine species through research grants.
  • Reduce the average 13.5-year species description timeline through technological and collaborative innovations.
Join the census

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