Studying Giant Squid in the Wild: Antarctic Research Cruise Brings Unique Opportunity for Observers and Scientists Alike

Researchers have long been fascinated by the mysterious giant squid, which can grow up to 500 kg and 14 meters in length. However, observing these creatures in their natural habitat has proven challenging due to their deep-sea habitats and difficulty in preserving specimens for long-term study.

To overcome these challenges, scientists decided to forego the expensive option of hiring a research ship and instead set up a research station on an Antarctic cruise ship. This approach allowed them to study giant squid during trips to Antarctica while also providing tourists with a unique opportunity to observe marine life.

During their trips on the Ocean Endeavor cruise ship, researchers took 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. Despite this progress, 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. Matthew Mulrennan plans to return to Antarctica for further expeditions in the next season to continue their research and exploration.

Overall, this innovative approach has allowed researchers to study giant squid in their natural habitats while also providing tourists with a unique opportunity to observe marine life. With continued efforts from teams like Kolossal, we may soon uncover more about these elusive creatures and gain insight into their hunting habits and different life stages.