New Approach to Studying Giant Squid: Researchers Set up Station on Antarctic Cruise Ship

Researchers set up a research station on an Antarctic cruise ship to study giant squid, these mysterious cephalopods that can reach astounding sizes of up to 500 kg and 14 m in length. Scientists have faced challenges observing these creatures in their natural habitats, but now they have a new approach to studying them.

The nonprofit organization Kolossal, founded by Matthew Mulrennan, aims to film giant squid in their natural habitats. The goal is to gather basic information about these marine creatures, including their hunting habits and different life stages. Mulrennan assembled a team of scientists with the goal of recording giant squid during trips to Antarctica in 2022 and 2023. This effort is estimated to cost around $500,000, significantly more affordable than renting a research vessel, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars per day and up to $8 million for similar expeditions.

During their trips on the Ocean Endeavor cruise ship, tourists observed a team of researchers taking cameras into the Southern Ocean to record marine life. They even created a complete research station on the ship to support their efforts. The team managed to capture footage of various species, including a baby giant squid-like animal in Paradise Harbor, Antarctica. Researchers still face challenges studying giant squid due to their deep-sea habitats and difficulty in preserving specimens for long-term study.

The Kolossal team recorded more than 80 species of marine life during their 58 days at sea, including a creature resembling an adult glass squid or possibly a baby giant squid. Although the exact classification remains uncertain, the team sees this as progress towards their goal of discovering giant squid by 2025. Mulrennan plans to return to Antarctica for further expeditions in the next season to continue their research and exploration.

The approach taken by the Kolossal team has proven successful as they were able to capture footage of various species during their trip on the Ocean Endeavor cruise ship. Their goal is still far from reaching but with continued efforts they hope to achieve it by 2025.