The NRF-SAIAB, in collaboration with Ocean Census, an initiative of The Nippon Foundation and Nekton, recently hosted a ground-breaking Species Discovery Workshop from January 27 to February 7. This workshop, held at NRF-SAIAB, brought together eight researchers from Japan, the Seychelles, South Africa, and the Maldives to advance marine species discovery, foster international scientific collaboration, and facilitate the exchange of taxonomic expertise.
The workshop was a continuation of efforts following the 2018 Nekton First Descent: Seychelles and 2022 First Descent: Maldives Missions. Nekton, a founding partner of Ocean Census, has worked closely with NRF-SAIAB since 2018, to map, sample and protect the world’s ocean using shared expertise. With a shared commitment to retaining samples and knowledge within the region, the workshop aimed to strengthen capacity in marine taxonomy while uncovering new species from the Indian Ocean.
Participants working in the National Collections Facility at NRF-SAIAB.
Participants worked within the National Collections Facility at NRF-SAIAB, where they focused on studying sponges and octocorals. The Indian Ocean remains one of the least explored oceans, making it a crucial area for scientific inquiry. Marine biodiversity in the region is under threat due to climate change and unsustainable fishing practices. Lucy Woodall, Head of Science at Nekton/Ocean Census, emphasized the urgency of this research, “There are two main threats when we consider the entire region-large-scale impacts of climate change and the smaller-scale consequences of poorly managed, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fisheries.”
One of the workshop’s core objectives was to address the global shortage of taxonomists by equipping early-career researchers with essential skills in species identification. “Taxonomy is fundamental in understanding ocean diversity, yet there are too few taxonomists. This workshop ensured that critical skills and knowledge are shared among aspiring experts,” said Woodall.
Some of the specimens that were studied in the workshop.
Octocorals and sponges were chosen as focal points for this workshop because of their abundance in deep reef habitats. “On expedition, we collected one sample per morphospecies to represent the different habitats we observed. Since octocorals and sponges were the most abundant in deep reef ecosystems, they became our primary focus,” Woodall added.
The workshop provided an immersive learning experience, combining hands-on species identification, data collection, and expert-led discussions. Participants gained practical skills that will enhance their research capabilities and contribute to broader ocean conservation efforts. Sifiso Mthembu, from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, underscored the workshop’s impact stating, “It can be difficult to classify sponges and octocorals, so workshops like this one help students and specialists refine their identification methods.”
This initiative played a pivotal role in advancing taxonomic research, strengthening international partnerships, and supporting the broader mission of ocean exploration and conservation. By fostering collaboration among marine scientists across the Indian Ocean region, the workshop contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of marine biodiversity and reinforced the importance of preserving ocean ecosystems for future generations.
About The Ocean Census www.oceancensus.org
The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census is the largest global initiative dedicated to accelerating the discovery of ocean life. Despite covering over 70% of our planet, the ocean remains one of the least explored ecosystems—with only 240,000 marine species officially documented. Scientists estimate that millions more remain undiscovered.
The Ocean Census is closing this critical knowledge gap, revolutionising how we find and understand marine biodiversity. Launched in April 2023 by The Nippon Foundation and Nekton, the Ocean Census is a global alliance that brings together philanthropy, government, business, science, media, and civil society. Through large-scale expeditions, cutting-edge technology, and global species discovery efforts, we are rapidly transforming our ability to document ocean life.
All discoveries are open access, published through the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform—ensuring scientists, conservationists, and policymakers worldwide can use this data to protect ocean ecosystems. Endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, Ocean Census is more than a research programme—it is a bold mission to find life in our universe, right here on our planet.
