The Census of Marine Life started in 2000 as an attempt to catalog all the life in the Earth's oceans, plant, animal and otherwise. The 10-year project has cataloged more than 16 million species as of November, 2008, and will make its first official report in 2010. More than 80 nations, hundreds of universities and research institutions and thousands of scientists are working together on 14 major projects that will make up the census.Census of Marine Life: About
Scientists believe that the census is important for several reasons. First, it identifies and categorizes species and can potentially discover new species. Second, it can help determine if a species is threatened or endangered. Finally, the census can help to gauge the overall health of the oceans and potentially help scientists to reduce or reverse ecological damage that has been done.Census of Marine Life: About
An update to the census was released November 9, 2008. Scientists hope to have the entire database of information available on the Internet before the end of the census.
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Fast Facts
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Affiliated with the Encyclopedia of Life and National GeographicCensus of Marine Life: FAQ
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Coordinated by the Consortium for Ocean Leadership in Washington, D.C.Census of Marine Life: FAQ
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Governed by an international steering committeeCensus of Marine Life: FAQ
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More than 10 times as many life forms in the ocean as on landCensus of Marine Life: About
