News

In a bustling workshop room in Senckenberg am meer, the air hums with the soft excitement of species discovery. Here, early-career researchers from across the world, as well as mid-career to retired experts, have gathered for a species discovery workshop, united by a shared fascination of isopods.

Building on the success of our co-founder Nekton’s First Descent: Comoros 2025 mission, this Species Discovery Workshop took place at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) in Makhanda from January 26 to February 13, 2026.

They say that two is better than one, and for some marine species, living as a pair means that they are able to survive, adapt, and thrive in complex and often challenging underwater environments.

A team of international scientists from UiT (The Arctic University of Norway), have discovered the deepest known gas hydrate cold seep ever, located 3,640 metres below the surface on the Molloy Ridge in the Greenland Sea.

In 2025, the Ocean Census achieved exciting milestones in advancing the understanding and discovery of marine biodiversity.

In the spirit of the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” we’ve gathered twelve remarkable marine species whose colours, shapes, and surprising behaviors capture the wonder of the season. 

The Ocean Census is proud to celebrate the extraordinary achievement of Belgian conchologist Yves Terryn, who has discovered 67 new species of auger snails (family Terebridae) through work supported by the Ocean Census Species Discovery Awards. 

The Ocean Census are supporting an additional 6 taxonomists in their crucial work of discovering new species through the Ocean Census Awards.

WoRMS Top Ten Marine Species of 2025 is now open for nominations - it's time to submit your species.