5. Challenges and opportunities in marine taxonomic research: from specimens to genes
This theme focusses on taxonomy, which is at the very heart of our knowledge on marine biodiversity. It is not just about descriptions, but also about the parallel challenges taxonomists are facing: on one hand keeping up with the current rate of species discoveries, and on the other hand making sure that so called ‘shelf species’ are not forgotten. How is the taxonomic impediment reflected in the current generation of taxonomists?
5.1 Today’s challenges and future opportunities for identifying the Evolution, Taxonomy, and Systematics of Invertebrates
Convenors:
Jeremy Horowitz (Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History)
Allison Miller (Schmidt Ocean Institute)
Summary:
Discoveries and descriptions of new species are now more feasible than ever and occurring at a faster pace than ever, thanks to sophisticated robotic technology that can collect specimens with precision and provide invaluable in situ data, such as imagery that reveals information on color, habitat, and associated invertebrates. Furthermore, the advent of cutting-edge genetic methodologies has revolutionized the ability to place specimens within a phylogenetic framework with unparalleled accuracy and resolution. These advancements in exploration, sampling, and analytical techniques are rapidly expanding how marine taxonomic research is conducted. As new biodiversity information is revealed, the task for researchers is to integrate and interpret this wealth of data effectively.
This session will highlight research outcomes that explored remote habitats (e.g., offshore and deep) and leveraged emerging technologies such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), environmental DNA (eDNA), and/or high-throughput sequencing to uncover patterns of biodiversity and unveil new taxonomic records. Abstract contributions on the challenges, changes to, and opportunities for studying systematics, species delimitation, evolutionary history, and the diversification of all invertebrate groups are welcomed. Additionally, studies employing novel methodologies, including historical DNA analyses, advanced imaging, and integrative taxonomic approaches, are encouraged.
By bringing together researchers working across disciplines, this session aims to advance our understanding of invertebrate evolution and systematics while also addressing critical knowledge gaps in species diversity, systematic relationships, and evolutionary histories.
5.2 The Ocean Census: Collective Efforts to Accelerate the Discovery of New Ocean Life
Convenors:
Lucy Woodall (The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census)
Verity Nye (The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census)
Summary:
Marine biodiversity underpins the health of our ocean and provides vital services to people and the planet. Yet, we face the urgent and interlinked crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. These challenges are compounded by significant gaps in our knowledge of ocean life and persistent geographic, taxonomic and data biases. The discovery of species new to science is fundamental to understanding, conserving and sustainably managing ocean ecosystems—but remains critically under-addressed.
This session will bring together researchers, policymakers and funders who are advancing the pace and scale of species discovery. It will explore the collective role we all play in delivering this essential knowledge, and how partnerships, technology and data systems can be better aligned to maximise impact.
Speakers will share case studies and innovations in marine species discovery—spanning expeditions, taxonomic capacity, digitisation and data sharing—and reflect on how this work supports the goals of the UN Ocean Decade and the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. The session will feature the work of The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, the world’s largest programme dedicated to accelerating the discovery of new ocean life, alongside other initiatives transforming how we understand and protect marine biodiversity.
The session will examine barriers that limit species discovery, from the taxonomic impediment to policy disconnection, and identify opportunities for a more inclusive, decentralised and actionoriented approach. Discussion will focus on three key questions: What is our individual and collective role in accelerating species discovery? How can we connect discovery to decision-making and public awareness? What are the critical investments and collaborations needed to close knowledge gaps by 2030?
The session will conclude with practical recommendations to inform future action and ensure life in our ocean is known, valued and protected.
5.3 The African Linnean Shortfall: overview, status and opportunities in capacity building and research in Marine Taxonomy
Convenors:
Sarah Viana ( Iziko Museums, South Africa)
Peter Nick Psomadakis (UN Food and Agriculture Organization)
Summary:
Documenting, monitoring and protecting marine species is vital in Africa, providing essential biodiversity information to ensure sustainable use and management of ocean resources. However, African marine taxonomic research lags behind other continents in marine species description, biodiversity data preservation and research heritage. The so-called Linnaean Shortfall in Africa reflects weak human capacity, evident in low number of African-led scientific publications, a lack of taxa-specific and in-house taxonomists, and a generational gap of experts along with scarcity of functional and structural resources like museum collections, digitization and biobanks. These challenges such as insufficient research funding opportunities, restricted career development and growth, and a lack of official regional networks of marine taxonomists, urgently need to be addressed to overcome the taxonomic impediment in the region.
The aim of this session is threefold. The current state of Marine Taxonomy Research in Africa will be showcased based on a regional situational assessment by a generation of African taxonomists who are members of the Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Program. Subsequently, highlevel biodiversity outputs of the EAF-Nansen Programme, which has been operating in African countries for 50 years, will be presented. Finally, the session will highlight opportunities and mechanisms to overcome the long-term Linnean shortfall in Africa, focusing on the FAO EAFNansen Programme activities.
The session will include an opening presentation (15 minutes), followed by four invited/selected speakers' presentations (15 minutes each) and a moderated, interactive, and action-driven open discussion (15 minutes) with the audience.
5.4 The World Register of Marine Species as a catalyst for understanding marine biodiversity
Convenors:
Meg Daly (WoRMS Steering Committee)
Simone Brandao (Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco)
Summary:
The World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) represents a synthesis of hundreds of years of biodiversity knowledge. The platform makes taxonomic information more accessible and visible, and offers capabilities for integrating occurrence records, images, and attributes. It is a resource and partner for governmental, non-governmental, and community-based efforts to document biodiversity. This session aims to highlight innovative uses of WoRMS, both through knowledge gains about specific lineages and about the potential and power of specific kinds of data or partnerships.
