Census of Marine Life

View
Twitter

The Census of Marine Life is a global network of researchers in 80+ nations engaged in a ten-year scientific initiative to assess and explain the diversity, distribution and abundance of marine life in the world’s oceans - past, present and future. Conducting research in under-explored and well-studied habitats alike, in both coastal and deep waters, the Census is identifying new organisms, collecting new information on ocean life, analyzing historical documents, and modeling future ecosystems. This will enable scientists to compare what once lived in the oceans to what lives there now, and to project what will live there in the future. The world's first comprehensive Census of Marine Life - past, present, and future - will be released in 2010.

Collaborator Contributions

Chimaera from the Deep

This rarely seen smalleyed rabbitfish, (Hydrolagus affinis), belonging to the order of Chimaera was caught during a research trip to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in 2004 sponsored by the Census of Marine Life.

Arctic Sea Cucumber

This new species of deep-water sea cucumber (Elpidia belyaevi) was discovered by Census of Marine Life researchers in the frigid waters of the Arctic.

Sargassum fish from the Waters of South Korea

The sargassum fish (Histrio histrio) is a member of the frogfish family (Antennariidae) and typically lives in open waters near floating sargassum seaweed, which offers camouflage. Although capable of swimming quite rapidly, this fish often crawls through the sargassum weed, using its pectoral fins like arms.

Venus Fly-Trap Anemone in the Gulf of Mexico

Researchers photographed this Venus fly-trap anemone (Actinoscyphia sp.) in the Gulf of Mexico. These elegant, deep-water animals can be found at roughly 4,900 feet (1500 meters).

Spider Conch from China

This beautiful spider conch (Lambis chiragra) was collected by Census of Marine Life scientists conducting research near China. Learn more about this species on the Encyclopedia of Life.

Dragonfish from Australia

Deep-sea species like this dragonfish (Bathophilus indicus) live in cold, dark waters and may go weeks or months between meals. When food is found, the fish uses its impressive teeth—including some on its tongue—to get a tight grip on its prey. Learn more about this species on the Encyclopedia of Life.

This recently discovered hairy crab species (Kiwa hirsuta) has no eyes.

Yeti Crab

This unusual, hairy crab (Kiwa puravida)—with no eyes—was recently discovered on a hydrothermal vent near Easter Island. It represents not only a new species but also a new genus—Kiwa, after the mythological Polynesian goddess of shellfish.

Interactive Ocean Dive

Take a look at strange deep-sea creatures rarely seen before. Scientists and students from 16 nations photographed these creatures on an expedition to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Take the dive and explore other Cool Stuff from the deep ocean.

Census researchers discovered this sea cucumber (Enypniastes sp.) in the Gulf of Mexico.

Transparent Sea Cucumber

Census of Marine Life researchers discovered this unusual transparent sea cucumber (Enypniastes sp.) in the Gulf of Mexico. It creeps forward on its tentacles, sweeping detritus-rich sediment into its mouth. So far Census researchers have discovered more than 5,000 new species. They expect to find many more.

Researchers use underwater equipment to measure a skate (Bathyraja richardsoni) on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Measuring a Skate on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

How does this skate (Bathyraja richardsoni) measure up? Researchers use underwater equipment to estimate its size. The marks on the meter-long scale bars are 10 cm apart. The yellow ribbons show which way the current is flowing here on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Visit Their site

Ocean Portal by The Smithsonian Institution