The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, a global initiative dedicated to discovering marine life, has announced an expansion to its network of scientific collaborators through a partnership with Germany’s Senckenberg Society for Nature Research.
Launched in 2023, the Ocean Census aims to accelerate the discovery of marine life, with a stated goal of identifying at least 100,000 new marine species by 2030.
To date, only around 10-25 per cent of the estimated 1-2 million species thought to inhabit the oceans have been documented, at an average rate of 1,500-2000 per year. However, it is hoped that advances in imaging, DNA sequencing, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven data analysis will dramatically accelerate the process of identification.
Founded in 1817, Senckenberg is one of Germany’s leading biodiversity research institutions, with more than 800 staff from 50 nations working through its eight centres, utilising its scientific capabilities through initiatives such as the Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance.
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The partnership with Ocean Census will involve Senckenberg participating in joint expeditions, knowledge sharing, and public engagement to strengthen the network’s collaborative efforts, while also developing, testing, and deploying the new species identification technologies.
‘Acceleration of species description in marine ecosystems is crucial for our vision to decipher the role of biodiversity in ecosystem dynamics,’ said Prof Angelika Brandt, Senckenberg’s Head of Marine Zoology in Frankfurt.
‘This collaboration between the Ocean Census and Senckenberg signifies a fusion of expertise and a commitment to providing open access to biological samples and data to scientists, policymakers, and the general public. Each discovery promises to guide sustainable management and protection of marine ecosystems.’
‘Our endeavour is not the first of its kind, but it is undoubtedly the most ambitious and timely,’ Prof Alex Rogers, Ocean Census Science Director. ‘Collaborating with Senckenberg enables us to magnify our impact, ensuring that our discoveries contribute profoundly to both our understanding and stewardship of the ocean.’
The Ocean Census Science Network is calling on scientists, researchers, and taxonomic experts to become involved with its global network. For more information visit oceancensus.org/sciencenetwork.
