RESTRICTIONS Global access all platforms in perpetuity for the purpose of telling the Ocean Census species discovery story. No archive resale. Mandatory on screen credit: Ocean Census
- Over 800 new species discovered
- 800+ scientists from 400+ institutions collaborating globally
- 10 Expeditions and 8 Discovery Workshops completed with partners such as The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), and Schmidt Ocean Institute
Tokyo, Japan (10 March 2025) - The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, the world’s largest collaborative effort to accelerate the discovery of marine life, today announced the discovery of 866 new marine species. This is a significant step in advancing our understanding of ocean biodiversity, with discoveries expected to grow as the programme continues.
“The ocean covers 71% of our planet, yet it is said that only around 10% of marine life has been discovered so far, leaving an estimated 1–2 million species still undocumented,” said Executive Director Mitsuyuki Unno of The Nippon Foundation representing the founding partner of the Ocean Census. “These latest findings demonstrate how international collaboration can advance our understanding of ocean biodiversity.”
The identification and official registration of a new species can take up to 13.5 years—meaning some species may go extinct before they are even documented. To address this, The Nippon Foundation and Nekton jointly launched the Ocean Census in April 2023 to transform species discovery, accelerating the identification of marine life to close critical knowledge gaps before it’s too late.
Accelerating Species Discovery
The Ocean Census global alliance has conducted 10 global expeditions and hosted 8 Species Discovery Workshops, awarding 19 Species Discovery Awards to taxonomists worldwide. New species of shark, sea butterfly, mud dragon, bamboo coral, water bear, octocoral, sponge, shrimp, crab, reef fish, squat lobster, pipehorse, limpet, hooded shrimp, sea spiders and brittle stars—encompassing dozens of taxonomic groups—have been registered to the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform (formerly referred to as the Cyberbiodiversity System). The beta version, developed in partnership with the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, is now accessible to researchers and the public alike.
Using divers, submersibles, and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), new species have been identified from depths of 1 to 4,990 meters, with analysis conducted by collaborating scientists from the Ocean Census Science Network.
Three notable discoveries include:
- Guitar Shark – Identified at around 200m depths off Mozambique and Tanzania by world-renowned shark expert David Ebert, also known as the ‘Lost Shark Guy’ (Ocean Census Species Discovery Awardee). This is only the 38th known guitar shark species worldwide, a group so at-risk that two-thirds of its species are threatened.
- Turridrupa magnifica – A marine gastropod discovered at 200–500m depths off New Caledonia and Vanuatu by Dr. Peter Stahlschmidt (University of Landau, Germany). Turrid gastropods possess venomous “harpoons” used to catch prey, producing peptides with potential applications in pain relief and cancer treatment. A drug used to treat chronic pain was originally developed from a related snail family, underscoring the biotechnological promise of new ocean life.
- New octocoral – Found in the Maldives by Aishath Sarah Hashim & Aminath Nasath Shanaan (Maldives Marine Research Institute) and Asako K Matsumoto (Chiba Institute of Technology; The University Museum, the University of Tokyo). There are only 5 known species of this genus. Additionally, this is the first record genus from the Maldives It highlights the diversity yet to be discovered. Octocorals provide essential habitat for marine life and play a key role in reef stability and nutrient cycling.
Scientists frequently encounter species that are new to science, but a species is only officially recognised once it has been formally described and published in a scientific journal. This process can take years, meaning many remain undocumented before they can be studied.
Prof. Lucy Woodall, Head of Science at Ocean Census, said "Too many species remain in limbo for years because the process of formally describing them is too slow. We urgently need to change that and adding the Species Discovery step gives us a way to rapidly start the process. Every new species—whether a shark or a sponge—deepens our understanding of marine ecosystems and the benefits they provide for the planet."
When the Ocean Census first launched, the project envisioned a Biodiversity Centres framework. The strategy has since evolved into a decentralised network of scientists participating from over 400 institutions worldwide—a more agile framework that unites diverse skills and resources globally.
“The past two years have been transformative for the Ocean Census: we’ve pioneered new methods, forged key partnerships, established a global network of participating scientists, and overcome the hurdles of a truly global mission,” said Oliver Steeds, Director of the Ocean Census. “Our estimates suggest that discovering 100,000 new species could require at least US$1 billion. We are laying the groundwork to make large-scale species discovery a reality, but our impact will ultimately be determined by how this knowledge is used to support marine protection, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation.”
A Global Effort for Ocean Science
Endorsed under the United Nations Ocean Decade, the Ocean Census has formed strategic partnerships with national marine research institutes, museums, universities, philanthropic organisations, and technology partners. These alliances amplify research efforts in uncharted ocean regions, filling critical gaps in our understanding of marine life.
“Schmidt Ocean Institute is proud to be a partner of the Ocean Census, whose strength lies in its vast network. By uniting governments, philanthropic supporters, and leading marine research organisations, we can accelerate the discovery of ocean life at an unprecedented scale,” said Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director of Schmidt Ocean Institute.
Building on the initial findings, the Ocean Census will provide dozens more Species Discovery Awards, undertake 10 new expeditions, and host 7 additional Species Discovery Workshops in 2025 across the Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans. All further data will be added to the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform.
Editor’s Notes:
Definitions
Species: Discovered
This status is obtained when experts determine and provide proof of a species being new to science, using morphological characteristics and, if necessary, genetic sequencing
Species: Described
This status is obtained when the details including a new scientific name are published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal
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Press release also available in the following languages:
Hoffman Agency (For enquires in Japanese and English)
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Interview Opportunities
- Prof Lucy Woodall (Head of Science, Ocean Census), in Tokyo at the World Ocean Summit
- Oliver Steeds (Director, Ocean Census), in Tokyo at the World Ocean Summit
- Dr Michelle Taylor (Principal Investigator, Ocean Census), on expedition in the South Sandwich Islands
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High-Resolution Media Assets
- Visit the Ocean Census AP newsroom for images and video content including i) newsroom (for editing) and ii) consumer-ready (for publishing) versions
- Species Data – Link: the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data System (Live 10 March)
- Press Kit including FAQs, Fact Sheet, and spokesperson bios
About The Ocean Census – www.oceancensus.org
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.
All discoveries are registered in the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform, ensuring that scientists, conservationists, and policymakers worldwide have open access to critical marine biodiversity data.Endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, the Ocean Census is more than a research programme—it is a bold mission to find life in our universe, right here on our planet.
About The Nippon Foundation - https://en.nippon-foundation.or.jp
The Nippon Foundation is the largest non-profit foundation in Japan that was established in 1962 for the purpose of carrying out philanthropic activities in areas that extend from eradicating leprosy, providing free education, food security, and above all, issues that surround the marine environment and maritime safety.
About Nekton – www.nektonmission.org
Nekton’s mission is to advance the scientific exploration of the ocean. Nekton undertakes expeditions, applied research, storytelling, and knowledge exchange programmes, co-created and implemented with the Nekton Network—an alliance of over 100 scientific, government, business, philanthropic, and civil society partners. Together, Nekton works to create a more valued ocean, recognised for its essential role in supporting all life on earth. Nekton is a not-for-profit charitable foundation, operating globally with headquarters in the UK.
OCEAN CENSUS via AP Content Services - RESTRICTIONS Global access all platforms in perpetuity for the purpose of telling the Ocean Census species discovery story. No archive resale. Mandatory on screen credit: Ocean Census
Footage: All The Ocean Census © The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census 2025.
- 00:00 – Various marine life – Including Angel Shark (00:04), Spiny Rock Lobster (00:06), Green Sea Turtle (00:09).
- 00:36 – SOUNDBITE: DR MICHELLE TAYLOR, PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR, OCEAN CENSUS
"The ocean covers 70% of our planet and we estimate that only 10% of marine species have been discovered….Over 1000 scientists are involved in the Ocean Census Network and they have discovered 100s of species across a range of habitats from methane seeps to coral reefs and deep sea mounts all over the globe." - 01:04 – Pisces VI Manned Submersible descending during the Ocean Census Macaronesia Expedition, Tenerife, Spain December 2023 – Underwater shots of the submersible. Technical divers collecting samples and filming.
- 01:24 – Submersible using ‘push core’ to sample the seafloor sediments – manipulator arm collecting samples.
- 01:45 – Technical divers collecting samples at depth in sea cave (approx. 100metres).
- 01:58 – Interior of Pisces VI submersible – onboard team (3) operating manipulator arms and sampling equipment.
- 02:07 – SOUNDBITE: DR. DANIELA ZEPPILLI, OCEAN CENSUS SCIENTIST, IFREMER
"From the shallow water I can say that I think 60% of species can be new things and for the deep sea even more, so it's really exciting." - 02:16 – Ocean Census scientists inspecting samples after submersible returns to port, Macaronesia Expedition 2023, Tenerife, Spain02:26 – Ocean Census taxonomy laboratory, shoreside during the Macaronesia Expedition 2023.
- 02:43 – SOUNDBITE: DR. JESÚS ORTEA, TAXONOMIST (SPANISH),
"I am looking at a new species of marine snail that we collected yesterday." - 02:49 – SOUNDBITE: DR. LEOPOLDO MORO, OCEAN CENSUS MACARONESIA EXPEDITION, CO-DIRECTOR (SPANISH)
"What surprised me most about this expedition was that out of nowhere, in a marina, a research group was created with experts from all over the place... If this model could be extrapolated to other parts of the planet, it would help to advance much faster in the inventory of species." - 03:16 – SOUNDBITE: ANNA VESANEN, OCEAN CENSUS MARINE BIOLOGIST
"We only know very little about species and marine life so the more and the better we know it, the better we can protect them. And there might be already species that we don’t know and are already gone, or going, extinct." - 03:34 – SOUNDBITE:DR DAVE EBERT, PACIFIC SHARK RESEARCH CENTRE
"We’re still finding new things including these new Guitar Fish that recently came up from Tanzania and Mozambique... Now that we know this thing is new, we’re going to try to get this thing described." - 03:58 – DR Dave Ebert handling Guitar Shark at SAIAB Laboratories, South Africa, 2024.
- 04:25 – Aerial – RV Kronprins Haakon, Norwegian Ice Class research vessel, leaving Tromsø at the start of Ocean Census Arctic Deep Expedition 2024.
- 04:43 – Time-lapse – ROV Aurora, from expedition partner REV Ocean, prepares for a test dive through the moon pool.
- 04:47 – Black smoker hydrothermal vent chimney at Jotul Hydrothermal Vent Field, near Svalbard – Filmed from ROV Aurora.
- 04:54 – ROV Aurora sampling sponges using manipulator arms and slurp gun.
- 05:09 – SOUNDBITE: PROF. GIULIANA PANIERI, UIT, OCEAN CENSUS DEEP ARCTIC EXPEDITION
"Most of the Arctic has not been investigated yet... We urgently need to build up a baseline that will give us the possibility to understand the changes in the future." - 05:40 – SOUNDBITE: DR. USHA PARAMESWARAN, NATIONAL CENTRE FOR POLAR AND OCEAN RESEARCH (NCPOR)
"When you see something that has never been seen before, it is very exciting!" - 05:45 – Scientists inspecting samples in the lab, including a sea star.
- 05:57 – International school visit to Ocean Census Taxonomic Workshop, Tromsø, Norway.
- 06:05 – NIWA research vessel Tangaroa in heavy seas during Ocean Census: Bounty Trough Expedition, Aotearoa New Zealand, 2024.
- 06:13 – Scientists on deck preparing lander and camera for deployment – Reviewing scanning data.
- 06:44 – SOUNDBITE: SADIE MILLS, NIWA, CO-LEAD, OCEAN CENSUS BOUNTY TROUGH EXPEDITION.
"We’ve gone to lots of different habitats and discovered a whole range of new species from fish to snails to corals and sea cucumbers and things like that." - 07:00 – Close-up: New species
- 07.48 - Guitar Shark: Rhinobatos sp. This newly identified guitar shark, found off Tanzania, is only the 38th known species of its kind and belongs to one of the ocean’s most threatened vertebrate groups.
- 07.51. - Limpet: Cocculina sp.. Found at 3,053m in the Jotul Vent Field, this deep-sea limpet thrives in extreme environments near hydrothermal vents
- 07.54 - Pygmy Pipehorse: Syngnathidae. This 4 cm-long pygmy pipehorse, discovered off South Africa, marks the first record of its genus in Africa and was previously thought to exist exclusively in New Zealand waters
- 07.57 - Gastropod: Turridrupa sp. One of 100 newly identified predatory gastropods, Turridrupa sp. harpoons its prey with venomous teeth—its relatives have already contributed to medical breakthroughs including pain treatments.
- 08.00 - Crinoid with Octocoral Attached. This newly discovered octocoral was found wrapped around a stalked crinoid in the deep Arctic ocean, growing like a fern or moss lives on a tree in a forest.
- 08.04 – Barnacle: Amigdoscalpellum calicicolum. Discovered at 900m this deep-sea barnacle is revealed in detail through high-resolution micro-CT imaging. And again, growing on its host organism.
- 08.12 - Squat lobster: Galathea sp. This newly discovered squat lobster (Galathea sp.) is the first of its genus recorded in the southeastern Pacific Ocean near Easter Island (Rapa Nui).
- 08:15 – SOUNDBITE: DR MICHELLE TAYLOR, PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR, OCEAN CENSUS
"Species are the building blocks of many other assessments, both in conservation, management and even in biotechnology. So understanding what a species is and discovering more species is crucial." - 08:31 – SOUNDBITE:. PROF JON COPLEY, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON, UK
"Every species that we find is part of the library of the ingenuity of nature... That is why deep sea biodiversity matters and why we should continue to protect it for the future." - 09.00 - Final Species montage:
- 09.02 - Sea Star: Tylaster sp - discovered in the Arctic’s Jotul Vent Field, this deep-sea sea star plays a crucial role in nutrient recycling in one of the planet’s least studied regions
- 09.05 - Granulina nekton - From collection to publication, this newly identified mollusc from Tenerife was formally described in just 48 hours—a remarkable contrast to the global average of 13.5 years.
- 09.10 - Limpet: Cocculina sp.. Found at 3,053m in the Jotul Vent Field, this deep-sea limpet thrives in extreme environments near hydrothermal vents
- 09.15 - Octocoral: This newly identified soft coral, found in the Maldives, is one of only about 5 known species of its genus, reinforcing the urgency of coral reef conservation.
- 09.17 - Eelpout - Discovered at 2,762m in the Bounty Trough during the first Ocean Census expedition in the Pacific, this rare eelpout fish is one of three new species identified in partnership with the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA).
10 March 2025
