New Approach to Studying Giant Squids: Collaborating with Cruise Ships for Cost-Effective Research
Researchers have decided to study giant squid in their natural habitats instead of renting a research vessel. These creatures, known as Antarctic giant squid, can reach astounding sizes of up to 500 kg and 14 m in length. Despite some specimens being found by fishing boats, observing these mysterious cephalopods in their natural habitat has proven to be a challenge for researchers.
Matthew Mulrennan founded the nonprofit organization Kolossal with the aim of filming 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.
In conclusion, scientists have decided not to spend millions on hiring research ships but instead set up research stations on Antarctic cruise ships that are much cheaper but still effective for studying elusive marine creatures such as giant squids. The Kolossal team has successfully captured footage of various species during their expedition on the Ocean Endeavor cruise ship while facing challenges due to deep-sea habitats and preservation difficulties.
Mulrennan’s goal is not just capturing footage but also gathering basic information about these cephalopods’ hunting habits and different life stages that will help us better understand these fascinating creatures’ behavior and ecology.
The success of this expedition shows that with innovative thinking and cost-effective solutions, we can achieve our goals without breaking the bank or compromising our scientific objectives.
