The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census is the world’s largest mission to accelerate the discovery of ocean life. Despite covering over 70% of our planet, the ocean remains one of the least explored ecosystems, with only 240,000 marine species officially documented—while millions more remain undiscovered.
The Ocean Census is revolutionising species discovery, accelerating the pace at which new marine life is identified and studied.
Launched in April 2023 by The Nippon Foundation and Nekton, Ocean Census is a global alliance uniting philanthropy, government, business, science, media, and civil society. At its core, the Science Network unites scientists from hundreds of institutions worldwide to lead the discovery of ocean life.
DISCOVERING KNOWLEDGE
Want to take a deeper dive into species discovery?
This paper by Ocean Census scientists explains the background to the Ocean Census programme and provides a roadmap to find more marine life, faster than ever before.
Science Paper Document
