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.
Why the Science Network
Matters
1 – 2 Million Species
An estimated 1-2 million marine species on Earth – only around 240,000 are known to science.
13.5 Years
The current species description process takes 13.5 years on average—too slow to match the rate of biodiversity loss. Image credit: Parson Kings
Global Collaboration
Global collaboration is the key to accelerating discovery— the Ocean Census is building a network of scientists across hundreds of institutions to lead species discovery.
Sharing knowledge & Capacity
creating an equitable legacy for long-term ongoing species discovery
Under-Explored Biodiversity
Through the Science Network, researchers take part in expeditions to gain access to under-explored biodiversity hotspots
Accelerate Identification
Species Discovery Workshops harness high resolution imaging and sequencing to accelerate species identification along with access to funding through Awards
How the Science Network
Contributes to the Census
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.
Why Join the Science Network?
Field & Lab Experience
Get funded to join expeditions and conduct fieldwork with leading marine researchers.Participate in Discovery Workshops to analyse and describe new species. Contribute to hands-on taxonomy and biodiversity research.
01Awards & Funding
Apply for Species Discovery Awards to support taxonomy, genetics, or field research. Receive awards to accelerate species discovery.
02Global Networking & Collaboration
Connect with hundreds of scientists from institutions worldwide. Work alongside leading marine biologists, conservationists, and geneticists. Attend conferences, workshops, and networking events to share research and discoveries.
03Access to Open Source Data
Use genetic sequencing, high-resolution imaging, and classification tools. Access the latest discoveries in marine biodiversity through the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform.
04Training & Learning Opportunities
Stay informed with exclusive newsletters featuring the latest research, discoveries, and funding opportunities. Gain access to specialist training in taxonomy, data analysis, and species identification.
05“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!”
Dr. Dave Ebert, the Lost Shark Guy
The Impact of the Science Network
The Science Network is already making a difference in global marine research.
Since 2023:
- 800+ new species identified through collaborative taxonomy efforts.
- 8 Discovery Workshops hosted in partnership with leading institutions.
- 93 scientists funded to participate in expeditions and research projects.
The Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform
Sign up
Join Network
Join the census
An alliance of scientists, governments, marine research institutes, museums, philanthropy, technology, media and civil society partners.
