Accelerating ocean species discovery and laying the foundations for the future of marine biodiversity research and monitoring

Ocean Census is a new Large-Scale Strategic Science Mission aimed at accelerating the discovery and description of marine species. This mission addresses the knowledge gap of the diversity and distribution of marine life whereby of an estimated 1 million to 2 million species of marine life between 75% to 90% remain undescribed to date. Without improved knowledge of marine biodiversity, tackling the decline and eventual extinction of many marine species will not be possible. The marine biota has evolved over 4 billion years and includes many branches of the tree of life that do not exist on land or in freshwater. Understanding what is in the ocean and where it lives is fundamental science, which is required to understand how the ocean works, the direct and indirect benefits it provides to society and how human impacts can be reduced and managed to ensure marine ecosystems remain healthy. We describe a strategy to accelerate the rate of ocean species discovery by: 1) employing consistent standards for digitisation of species data to broaden access to biodiversity knowledge and enabling cybertaxonomy; 2) establishing new working practices and adopting advanced technologies to accelerate taxonomy; 3) building the capacity of stakeholders to undertake taxonomic and biodiversity research and capacity development, especially targeted at low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) so they can better assess and manage life in their waters and contribute to global biodiversity knowledge; and 4) increasing observational coverage on dedicated expeditions. Ocean Census, is conceived as a global open network of scientists anchored by Biodiversity Centres in developed countries and LMICs. Through a collaborative approach, including co-production of science with LMICs, and by working with funding partners, Ocean Census will focus and grow current efforts to discover ocean life globally, and permanently transform our ability to document, describe and safeguard marine species.

Keyword(s)

biodiversity, integrated taxonomy, biodiversity crisis, capacity development, ocean literacy, species discovery, DNA barcoding, cybertaxonomy

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Rogers Alex David, Appiah-Madson Hannah, Ardron Jeff A., Bax Nicholas J., Bhadury Punyasloke, Brandt Angelika, Buttigieg Pier-Luigi, de Clerck Olivier, Delgado Claudia, Distel Daniel L., Glover Adrian, Gobin Judith, Guilhon Maila, Hampton Shannon, Harden-Davies Harriet, Hebert Paul, Hynes Lisa, Lowe Miranda, Macintyre Sandy, Madduppa Hawis, de Azevedo mazzuco Ana Carolina, McCallum Anna, McOwen Chris, Nattkemper Tim Wilhelm, Odido Mika, O’hara Tim, Osborn Karen, Pouponneau Angelique, Provoost Pieter, Rabone Muriel, Ramirez-Llodra Eva, Scott Lucy, Sink Kerry Jennifer, Turk Daniela, Watanabe Hiromi Kayama, Weatherdon Lauren V., Wernberg Thomas, Williams Suzanne, Woodall Lucy, Wright Dawn J., Zeppilli Daniela, Steeds Oliver (2023). Accelerating ocean species discovery and laying the foundations for the future of marine biodiversity research and monitoring. Frontiers In Marine Science. 10. 1224471 (21p.). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1224471, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00859/97058/

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