In either case, the question would be to match prediction and observation. If the observations affirm the reliability of our present theory and knowledge, the Census might be terminated. If the results differ, then the logic strengthens to proceed, and to complete the effort globally, with appropriately revised hypotheses. This may be a parsimonious way to achieve a global effort, without ever fully implementing a massive global observational system all operational at the same time. One reason to undertake the program in the near future is the progress achieved in acoustic and optical technologies that can observe marine animals.
Every fish is basically a submarine, with a distinctive shape and acoustic signature.
With the end of the Cold War, technologies developed for looking for mechanical submarines are now becoming available for other purposes, at lessening cost. The trawling of nets could never achieve the coverage that new computerized techniques might. Discoveries in all these areas might be exciting. According to current estimates perhaps 90 percent of marine biomass resides in zooplankton and phytoplankton. Sound assessments of the fishes will clearly require increased understanding of non-fish marine life as well as information on temperature, salinity, light, and other environmental factors.