A Global Mission to Accelerate Species Discovery
The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census was launched in April 2023 to revolutionise species discovery and address critical knowledge gaps in marine biodiversity. Traditionally, identifying and officially registering a new species takes an average of 13.5 years—a delay that risks species extinction before they can be studied. Ocean Census aims to change this by accelerating discovery through advanced research methods and international cooperation.
Since its launch, the program has:
✔ Engaged over 800 scientists from 400+ institutions worldwide
✔ Conducted 10 global expeditions in uncharted waters
✔ Hosted 8 Species Discovery Workshops, awarding 19 Species Discovery Awards
✔ Developed the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform, in partnership with the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre
Using submersibles, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and divers, new species have been identified at depths ranging from 1 to 4,990 meters.
Key Discoveries
Among the hundreds of new species cataloged, some remarkable findings include:
🔹 Guitar Shark – Found at 200m depths off Mozambique and Tanzania by renowned shark expert David Ebert. This is only the 38th known species of guitar shark, a group so endangered that two-thirds are threatened with extinction.
🔹 Turridrupa magnifica – A venomous marine gastropod discovered between 200–500m depths off New Caledonia and Vanuatu. These snails produce bioactive compounds with potential applications in medicine, including pain relief and cancer treatments.
🔹 New Octocoral Species – Found in the Maldives by Aishath Sarah Hashim, Aminath Nasath Shanaan, and Asako K. Matsumoto, this is only the 5th known species of its genus and the first recorded in the Maldives. Octocorals provide essential habitat for marine life and contribute to reef stability.
OpenCell’s Role in Ocean Census
OpenCell has supported the Ocean Census mission since its first major expedition in Tenerife by providing advanced research infrastructure to streamline the species discovery process. As a partner in this global initiative, OpenCell is committed to enabling breakthrough discoveries that shape our understanding of marine biodiversity.
“Too many species remain undocumented because traditional taxonomy is too slow. We urgently need to accelerate this process,” said Prof. Lucy Woodall, Head of Science at Ocean Census. “Every new species—whether a shark or a sponge—deepens our understanding of marine ecosystems and the role they play in sustaining life on Earth.”
A Global Effort for Ocean Conservation
Endorsed by the United Nations Ocean Decade, Ocean Census has formed strategic partnerships with leading research institutions, museums, universities, and philanthropic organizations worldwide. This collaborative approach is essential for scaling up species discovery and ensuring its impact extends to marine protection, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation.
“Schmidt Ocean Institute is proud to be a partner of Ocean Census,” said Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director of Schmidt Ocean Institute. “By uniting governments, researchers, and conservation leaders, we can accelerate the discovery of ocean life on an unprecedented scale.”
What’s Next?
In 2025, Ocean Census will:
🌍 Launch 10 new expeditions in the Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans
🔬 Host 7 additional Species Discovery Workshops
📊 Expand its Biodiversity Data Platform with thousands of new species records
At OpenCell, we believe that every discovery counts. By accelerating the identification of marine life, we can protect ocean biodiversity and drive solutions for a sustainable future.
🔗 Learn more about OpenCell’s role in Ocean Census: https://www.opencell.bio/news/marine-discovery
🔎 Read the full Ocean Census announcement: https://oceancensus.org/publications/press-release-the-ocean-census-discovers-over-800-new-marine-species/
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