See it: First confirmed footage of swimming colossal squid recorded in waters off Antarctica

Yahoo! News - Apr 16th, 2025

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute have successfully filmed a juvenile colossal squid in its natural habitat for the first time. The recording was made at a depth of nearly 2,000 feet near the South Sandwich Islands, situated between South America and Antarctica. The squid, measuring nearly 1 foot long, represents the first confirmed in situ observation of the species, which has been known to science primarily through remains found in predator stomachs. Dr. Kat Bolstad of the Auckland University of Technology, who verified the footage, highlighted the significance of witnessing this elusive creature in its natural state.

This unprecedented footage is a significant addition to marine biology, as colossal squids are rarely observed in their natural environment despite being known for over a century. The colossal squid can grow up to 23 feet long and has been a subject of intrigue due to its size and elusive nature. The Schmidt Ocean Institute's expedition, which also recently captured the first footage of a glass squid, underscores the potential for using advanced technology like remotely operated vehicles to deepen our understanding of mysterious marine life. These findings could have implications for both scientific research and conservation efforts in these largely unexplored oceanic regions.

Marine Biology Schmidt Ocean Institute Colossal Squid Dr. Kat Bolstad Auckland University Of Technology Underwater Exploration South Sandwich Islands

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RATING

8.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-crafted and accurate account of the first confirmed footage of a colossal squid in its natural environment. It excels in clarity, timeliness, and readability, effectively conveying the significance of the discovery to a broad audience. The reliance on credible sources and expert verification adds to its accuracy and source quality, although a broader range of perspectives could enhance balance and impact. While the article is engaging and captures public interest, it could further explore the environmental and policy implications of such discoveries to increase its societal impact. Overall, the article is a strong piece of science journalism that highlights the marvels of ocean exploration and the potential of modern technology to uncover the mysteries of the deep sea.

Accuracy

The story provides a highly accurate depiction of the first confirmed footage of a colossal squid, with specific details that align well with the known facts. The location of the sighting, near the South Sandwich Islands, and the depth of nearly 2,000 feet are precisely reported and match the documented expedition data. The size of the squid, identified as a juvenile measuring nearly one foot long, is consistent with scientific expectations for a young specimen. The historical context provided, noting that colossal squids have been known to science for a century but never filmed in their natural habitat, is also accurate. Furthermore, the description of the colossal squid's potential size and weight is consistent with established scientific knowledge. The story does not contain any significant inaccuracies, and the claims are well-supported by credible sources, including the Schmidt Ocean Institute and scientific experts like Dr. Kat Bolstad.

Balance

The article predominantly focuses on the scientific and exploratory aspects of the colossal squid sighting, providing a detailed account of the event and its significance. While it offers an in-depth view of the scientific achievement, the narrative could benefit from a broader perspective by including potential environmental or ecological implications of such discoveries. The story does not exhibit overt bias or favoritism, but it remains largely focused on the excitement and novelty of the footage without exploring other viewpoints, such as conservation concerns or the impact of human activities on deep-sea ecosystems.

Clarity

The article is well-written and structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the discovery and its significance. The language is clear and accessible, making the scientific content understandable to a general audience. The use of direct quotes from experts adds to the clarity and authority of the piece. The tone is neutral and informative, effectively conveying the excitement of the discovery without sensationalism. Overall, the article maintains a high level of clarity, ensuring that readers can easily grasp the key points and implications of the footage.

Source quality

The article relies on authoritative sources, specifically the Schmidt Ocean Institute and scientific experts like Dr. Kat Bolstad, enhancing its credibility. These sources are well-regarded in the field of oceanography and marine biology, lending significant weight to the claims made. However, the article could improve by incorporating a more diverse range of sources, such as environmental organizations or additional scientific perspectives, to provide a more comprehensive view of the implications of the discovery. The reliance on a single expedition and its associated scientists, while credible, limits the diversity of viewpoints presented.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its presentation of the facts, clearly stating the methodology used to capture the footage, including the deployment of the ROV SuBastian. It also identifies the experts consulted for verification, such as Dr. Kat Bolstad. However, the article could enhance transparency by providing more context on the broader goals of the Schmidt Ocean Institute's expedition and any potential conflicts of interest. While the story is clear about the scientific validation of the footage, it does not delve into the funding sources or any affiliations that might influence the reporting.