News
New Life in Japan’s Deep Sea: Dr Chong Chen’s Discoveries from the Ocean Census–JAMSTEC Expedition
Following the Shinkai JAMSTEC expedition, taxonomists from Japan and around the world gathered at JAMSTEC headquarters in Yokosuka in October 2025 for a dedicated Species Discovery Workshop. Among the expedition's most recent scientific outcomes are a series of studies led by Dr Chong Chen, Senior Scientist with Tenure at JAMSTEC.
05/08/26
Collections revisited: the description of 50 new species of Terebridae
Based on material collected since 1986, this study describes 50 new terebrid species, re-evaluates four synonymised taxa, revises their taxonomic status and generic placement, and resolves long-standing classification challenges within ten genera.
21/07/26
Molecular Phylogenetic Reexamination of Trigonostomidae Graff, 1905 (Platyhelminthes, Rhabdocoela), with the Resurrection of Messoplana Den Hartog, 1966, and the Description of Four New Species from the United States
Using molecular and morphological analyses of ten trigonostomid species, including eight newly sequenced taxa, this study resolves relationships within Trigonostomidae, resurrects the genus Messoplana, describes four new species, reclassifies another, and refines the family's phylogenetic framework.
20/07/26
The Ocean Census Announces 2026 Expedition Awardees
After receiving submissions from around the world, the Ocean Census is proud to announce the four recipients of the 2026 Ocean Census Expedition Awards - a programme designed to accelerate global marine species discovery by directly supporting those on the front lines of ocean science.
16/07/26
Revealing the Ocean Life That Inspired a Nation: The Argentina Species Discovery Workshop
In July 2026, taxonomic experts will gather in Buenos Aires, Argentina for the Ocean Census Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) Argentina Species Discovery Workshop. Continuing the legacy of the SOI Underwater Oases of the Mar del Plata Canyon expedition (2025), the workshop is the next stage in highlighting the marine biodiversity of this underexplored South Atlantic ecosystem.
13/07/26
The Ocean Census Announces 2026 Species Discovery Awardees
The Ocean Census is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Species Discovery Awards — a celebration of the pioneering scientists and taxonomists driving the discovery and description of life in our ocean.
18/06/26
Discovery of new shelf and bathyal Tanaellidae Larsen & Wilson, 2002 (Crustacea: Peracarida: Tanaidacea) from Aotearoa New Zealand and the Ross Sea. I. Tanaella and allied genera
Describing five new genera and nine new species of the deep-sea tanaidacean family Tanaellidae from New Zealand and Antarctica. The study highlights their significant contribution to deep-sea biodiversity while showing the family's evolutionary relationships remain unresolved.
04/06/26
Greeffiella bellula n. sp. (Nematoda: Desmoscolecida): The First Desmoscolecid Nematode Species to Be Described From New Zealand
A new deep-sea nematode, Greeffiella bellula sp. nov., is described as the first desmoscolecid recorded from New Zealand waters. Phylogenetic analyses confirm its genus placement, provide a revised species key, and challenge existing relationships within Desmoscolecidae.
29/05/26
PRESS RELEASE: Scientists discover over 1,100 new marine species in landmark Ocean Census
World’s largest mission to accelerate species discovery reveals extraordinary new life forms from some of Earth’s most extreme and unexplored environments.
19/05/26Expedition
Spotlight
Mar Del Plata Canyon
23 July – 12 August 2025
2025 Ocean Census Expedition Awardee, Dr. Daniel Lauretta of Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia, joined the Schmidt Ocean Institute as Chief Scientist on it’s Underwater Oases of the Mar Del Plata Canyon expedition.
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