First report of a dead giant squid (Architeuthis dux) from an operating seismic vessel

Abstract

We report the first sighting of a dead giant squid observed from a seismic vessel operating offshore Brazil. The observation was made by Marine Mammal Observers working on the vessel. The specimen was photographed and identified as Architeuthis dux on the basis of its size and morphology. Our report adds to the limited data regarding the distribution of this species in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. Because the animal was not examined, its death cannot be conclusively linked to the seismic activity. Nevertheless, given the scarcity of observations of this species offshore Brazil, we believe this record helps to understand the species distribution as well as to highlight the disturbing lack of information on the impacts of marine sound pollution on invertebrates. This record also serves as another call for further research and for the use of precautionary principle to protect species in the deep sea.

Seismic air guns damage rock lobster mechanosensory organs and impair righting reflex

“…Multiple incidences of mass stranding of giant squid (Architeuthis dux) reported following seismic surveys in the general region [18,19] led to the finding that the statocyst, the mechanosensory organ responsible for detecting gravity, body positioning, and movement that is commonly found in aquatic invertebrates, including bivalves, cnidarians, echinoderms, cephalopods, and crustaceans [20], showed extensive damage [18]. Similarly, in laboratory-based experiments simulating aquatic noise, squid and octopus have shown severe responses to exposure, with progressive degeneration of the statocyst sensory epithelia [21][22][23].…”

A giant squid (Architeuthis dux) off Reunion Island, western Indian Ocean: the greatest giant ever?

“…We document a rare occurrence of giant squid in tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and one of the largest individuals ever reported worldwide. Architeuthis dux remains an enigmatic species requiring more scientific efforts to address the current challenges in the understanding of its natural history, its role in ocean ecosystems and the potential threats to its conservation, especially those due to human activities (Guerra et al, 2011;Leite et al, 2016).…”

Effets des sons anthropiques sur la faune marine

“…1 µPa 2 .s à quelques dizaines de mètres des individus (Day et al, 2017). Enfin, des échouages de calmars géants suite à des prospections sismiques suggèrent un lien de cause à effet potentiel (Guerra et al, 2004(Guerra et al, , 2011Leite et al, 2016).…”