Exploring the Oceans' Viral Diversity (IMAGE) Ohio State University Caption A new study brings the total known marine viral populations within the ocean close to 200,000 -- work that will help scientists better understand their influence throughout the world, including their part in delivering carbon deep into the sea, protecting the atmosphere from further damage. The samples were collected during the unprecedented three-year Tara Oceans Expedition, in which a team of more than 200 experts took to the sea to catalog and better understand the unseen inhabitants of the ocean, from tiny animals to viruses and bacteria. Credit Tara Foundation Usage Restrictions Credit Tara Foundation License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.