On Monday, scientists and broadcasters announced the unprecedented filming of a giant squid in its natural habitat deep within the Pacific Ocean. This footage marks the first time such a creature has been observed in its usual environment.
This groundbreaking achievement was made possible by a collaboration between Japan’s National Science Museum, the Japanese public broadcaster NHK, and the US-based Discovery Channel. Together, they successfully filmed the enormous invertebrate at a depth exceeding half a kilometer (about a third of a mile).
The giant squid, often the subject of maritime legend, has long fascinated sailors with tales of colossal sea creatures. It is believed to have inspired the mythical Kraken, a monster said to have terrorized Scandinavian waters for centuries.
In a modern-day adventure reminiscent of “Moby Dick,” scientists employed a submersible to explore the frigid, dark depths of the northern Pacific. At approximately 630 meters (2066 feet), they managed to capture footage of a squid measuring about three meters in length. After 100 missions and 400 hours spent in the submersible, the three-person crew tracked the creature from a location around 15 kilometers (nine miles) east of Chichi Island.
Tsunemi Kubodera, a researcher at the museum, reported following the giant mollusk to a depth of 900 meters as it descended further into the ocean’s abyss. NHK aired footage showing the silver-hued creature, distinguished by its enormous black eyes, as it swam against the current, clutching a bait squid.
Kubodera expressed his excitement at the sighting, describing the squid as “shining and beautiful.” He credited meticulous research and data analysis for their success, despite the squid missing its two longest arms. If intact, Kubodera estimated, the squid would have measured around eight meters.
This event marks the first time a live giant squid has been filmed in its natural deep-sea habitat, a place with minimal oxygen and immense water pressure. Although Kubodera previously captured footage of a giant squid in 2006, it was filmed at the surface after being hooked.
Kubodera noted that prior attempts to film giant squids in their natural habitats had all failed. He hopes this footage will lead to new insights into the species’ life, with plans to publish his findings soon. The two successful sightings, in 2012 and 2006, were both in the same region, roughly 1000 kilometers south of Tokyo, suggesting this area could be a significant habitat for the species.
Known scientifically as “Architeuthis,” the giant squid remains one of the ocean’s enduring mysteries. It inhabits an environment so hostile to humans that much about it remains unknown. Researchers believe that Architeuthis preys on other squids and deep-sea fish like the grenadier and can grow to lengths exceeding 10 meters.
NHK and the Discovery Channel are set to broadcast special documentaries on this remarkable discovery later this month. This footage not only offers a rare glimpse into the life of the elusive giant squid but also opens new avenues for scientific exploration and understanding of the deep ocean’s secrets.
