1,121 new ocean species in a single year: the great census of the sea is speeding up

Somewhere off Timor-Leste, scientists found a ribbon worm whose toxins might one day inform treatments for Alzheimer's. Off Australia, CSIRO researchers described a new ghost shark. They are two of 1,121 new marine species the Ocean Census identified in just one year — a 54% jump on the year before — across 13 expeditions and nine discovery workshops. 'For too long, thousands of species have remained in scientific limbo because the pace of discovery couldn't keep up,' said Dr Michelle Taylor, the project's head of science. The goal is audacious: 100,000 new marine species, named and shared openly, so the ocean can be protected while there is still time.

SDG 14 · Life below water — Mechanism: institutional program