Scientists have identified 866 new species as part of the Ocean Census, a global mission to protect and accelerate the discovery of marine life. The creatures include everything from a squat lobster to a deep-sea limpet.

New species of shark, sea butterfly, mud dragon, bamboo coral, water bear, octocoral, and shrimp were just some of the marine life findings.

( NewsNation) — After two years of work, the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census announced the discovery of 866 new marine species. “This is a significant step in advancing our understanding of ocean biodiversity, with discoveries expected to grow as the program continues,” The Ocean Census said in a statement.

A project called The Ocean Census has discovered 866 new species in a global creature-finding mission under the sea.

Nekton Ocean Census, the world's largest collaborative effort to accelerate the discovery of new marine life, announced the discovery of 866 new marine species.