800 NEW MARINE LIFE SPECIES REVEALED BY OCEAN CENSUS

More than 80% of our ocean is still uncharted and unexplored, and scientists believe that over 91% of ocean organisms are still unidentified. In 2023, the Nippon Foundation and Nekton jointly launched Ocean Census, bringing together hundreds of scientists from various universities worldwide to spearhead the effort to speed up the discovery of ocean life. Just two years after its founding, the organization has said that it has formally identified over 800 ocean species through eight seminars and ten maritime missions.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in Ocean Census’ mission, offering critical insights for marine biologists, conservationists, scientists, and policymakers alike. In addition to notable finds like the guitar shark, the Turridrupa magnifica snail, and a novel octocoral, these species include everything from shrimp and crabs to sea spiders, sea butterflies, and reef fish.

Among the top 10 most endangered vertebrate groups, the guitar shark is only the 38th species of its kind and is found about 200 meters (656 feet) deep off the coasts of Tanzania and Mozambique, according to Ocean Census. One of the 100 recently discovered predatory gastropods is the Turridrupa magnifica, which uses venomous teeth to harpoon its prey. The octocoral discovery is the first genus from the Maldives.

"A species is only properly [recognized] once it has been fully described and published in a scientific journal," according to a statement from Ocean Census. "Scientists often encounter species that are new to science."This process can take years, meaning many remain undocumented before they can be studied.”

Lucy Woodall, head of science at Ocean Census, adds: “Too many species remain in limbo for years because the process of formally describing them is too slow.”

Because it might take up to 13.5 years to identify and officially register a new species, "species may go extinct before they are even documented." With speed as its primary goal, Ocean Census provides a different method of identifying marine life without compromising the necessary knowledge, classifying findings into its extensive database. Both scholars and the general public can utilize the system, which is now called the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform.

Ten new trips and seven more seminars will be conducted by Ocean Census in the Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans in the upcoming year. The Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform will start receiving new data.