Census of Marine Life, an international program to assess and explain the diversity, distribution, and abundance of living organisms in the oceans. A 10-year project involving scientists in more than 70 nations, the census began in 2001 and is directed by an international scientific steering committee, subcommittees, and national and regional committees. In addition to coordinating field surveys, which have identifed previously unknown species, the census is producing the Ocean Biogeographic Information System to manage the database that results. Historical research is also being undertaken so as to provide an understanding of the past diversity and distribution of marine species. The secretariat for the project is at the Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education, Washington, D.C.