The ocean is the largest carbon sink in the world. It is difficult to determine the content of anthropogenic carbon (C_ant) and the spatial and temporal distribution in the ocean. The methods of C_ant determination, inventories estimation of C_ant, temporal variations of C_ant were summarized in this review. The ocean can still uptake and store C_ant from the atmosphere. However there are still many uncertainties for the oceanic C_ant uptake and storage studies. The evidences show that it is not true for C_ant estimations based on the steady state assumption. Thus, it is necessary to define and study the C_ant based on non-steady state. Meanwhile, it is necessary to collect more observation data and use more approaches such as observations and model simulations to study the C_ant uptake and storage in different time scales.