Scientists involved in the Ocean Census announced the discovery of over 1,000 new marine species in the past year, ranging from carnivorous sponges to translucent sharks. The findings, reported by researchers backed by the Nippon Foundation and the UK charity Nekton, highlight how much of Earth’s ocean life remains undocumented.

Ocean Census uncovers 1,121 new species in past year

Program director Oliver Steeds said the tally of 1,121 newly identified organisms demonstrates the scale of unknown biodiversity beneath the waves. According to the report, the Ocean Census—a multinational effort to map marine life—has added these species to the roughly 240,000 already recognised, suggesting that up to two million species may still reside in the oceans.

Death‑ball sponge with velcro‑like hooks found at 3,601 m

One of the most striking discoveries is a carnivorous sponge dubbed a “death ball,” located 3,601 metres deep near the South Sandwich Islands.. The creature uses velcro‑like hooks to ensnare tiny crustaceans, which it then digests slowly, a behavior described in the source as “odd‑looking” and unprecedented among sponges.

Ghost shark chimaera discovered 800 m deep in Australian Coral Sea

Researchers also documented a new chimaera, commonly called a “ghost shark,” at more than 800 metres below the surface in the Australian Coral Sea marine park. The fish’s translucent body and glowing eyes set it apart, and its myth‑inspired name reflects the chimaera’s patchwork appearance, a detail noted by the Ocean Census team.

Bright orange‑banded shrimp spotted in French sea cave

Among the colorful finds is a bright orange‑banded shrimp living in a sea cave off the coast of France. The shrimp’s vivid colration contrasts sharply with the dim, deep‑sea environment, illustrating the range of habitats explored during the census.

Who will fund deeper ocean exploration?

While the Nippon Foundation and Nekton financed the recent expedition, the source points out that future deep‑sea research will require sustained investment. steeds warned that “the question is not whether we can afford to do this. It is whether we can afford not to,” leaving the funding pipeline for subsequent missions uncertain.