Ocean Census Discovers 1,121 New Marine Species in One Year
The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, a collaborative program involving Schmidt Ocean Institute and others, announced the discovery of 1,121 new marine species between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. The findings resulted from 13 expeditions and nine species discovery workshops with scientists worldwide. Up to 90 percent of ocean life remains unknown. Dr. Michelle Taylor, Head of Science for Ocean Census, emphasized the urgency of documenting species before they disappear. New species include a carnivorous 'Death Ball' sponge (Chondrocladia sp.), sea cave shrimp (Caridion sp.), ribbon worm (Drepanophoridae sp.), dwarfgoby (Eviota sp.), Mystery Ridge Sea Pen (Ptilella sp.), 'glass castle' worm (Dalhousiella yabukii), Nicella sp. coral, and burrowing sea anemone (Harenactis sp.).
Key facts
- 1,121 new marine species discovered between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026
- 13 expeditions and nine species discovery workshops conducted
- Ocean Census is a collaborative program by The Nippon Foundation-Nekton and Schmidt Ocean Institute
- Up to 90% of ocean life remains unknown
- Dr. Michelle Taylor is Head of Science for Ocean Census
- New species include carnivorous sponge, sea cave shrimp, ribbon worm, dwarfgoby, sea pen, glass castle worm, coral, and burrowing sea anemone
- Taxonomists include Dr. Javier Francisco Cristobo Rodríguez, Dr. Hossein Ashrafi, Dr. Svetlana Maslakova, Dr. Chris Goatley, Dr. Raissa Hogan, Dr. Naoto Jimi, and Dr. Agustín Garese
- Images courtesy of ROV SuBastian/Schmidt Ocean Institute, The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, JAMSTEC, and individual taxonomists
Entities
Artists
- Dr. Michelle Taylor
- Dr. Javier Francisco Cristobo Rodríguez
- Dr. Hossein Ashrafi
- Dr. Svetlana Maslakova
- Dr. Chris Goatley
- Dr. Raissa Hogan
- Dr. Naoto Jimi
- Dr. Agustín Garese
- Gustav Paulay
- Paul Satchell
Institutions
- The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census
- Schmidt Ocean Institute
- JAMSTEC
- Colossal