Ocean Life
Every ten years, the United States Census Bureau conducts a population census to determine how many people live in the United States. Surveys are sent via mail and volunteers and employees go door to door collecting information from each household. It is a huge undertaking, but it is vital in helping the government assess the needs of its citizens.
Similarly, from 2000 to 2010, scientists conducted the Census of Marine Life. The goals of this international effort were to determine how many marine species exist, where those species live, and how many of each species there are. Scientists used various forms of technology, like genetic barcoding, to obtain and compile the information from the census.
Visit the Census of Marine Life's website to read some general information about the census, the methods used to collect data, and the findings.