Census of Marine Life

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.

marines, soldiers specially trained and adapted for warfare at sea, and latterly for amphibious operations. Several maritime nations have, or had, marine corps but only in Britain and the USA do they still serve at sea. The Royal Marines were formed in 1664, the US Marine Corps in 1798 (they were originally formed in 1775 but were disbanded at the same time as the Continental Navy in 1783). Both have stirring regimental songs which reflect their past. The Royal Marines march to ‘A Life on the Ocean Wave’ while the hymn of the US Marine Corps, ‘From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shore of Tripoli’, recalls the first overseas expedition of the newly independent United States which defeated the Barbary pirates of Tripoli in 1805.