ALCES on the high seas!


tonmo

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Hi gang! Just off the ship today (so in that weird readjusting to life on land phase). We did not get any colossal sightings but we did have some great science communication opportunities, and recorded a colossal squid birthday episode of the Deep-sea Podcast about both the squid and our camera project (Project ESCA). https://www.armatusoceanic.com/podcast/056-colossal We are very happy with how the gear is working and will keep looking for opportunities to get down there and continue the quest!
 
"The squid camera did see squid."
-- Kat

Finally got around to listening to this -- for those interested, the @Tintenfisch segment on Mesonychoteuthis begins at about 22 minutes in.

Favorite sound byte involves the size comparison of Giant Squid and Colossal Squid being akin to comparing a giraffe and an elephant. And more info than I thought I'd be interested in regarding their smell :lol:👃

...and the largest colossal squid beak was found in the stomach of......... a toothfish. 🤯

Predation/prey discussion re: colossals vs. sperm whales (vision vs. echolocation) and associated hypotheses... so interesting.

As a product and project nerd, I loved learning about your lure and camera projects. Innovation at play. I somehow missed the citizen science opportunity. Regarding the arduous task of sifting through all the footage, I know @gjbarord has some deep experience with that... Using MS Copilot is an interesting approach; not sure Greg if you've advanced your tech at all.

Near the end, a nice round-up of colossal squid known facts (and plenty of mysteries).

At the very end, you cover the species repository project... @Tintenfisch - do check your DMs, sent just before your excursion; I'd like to explore synergies if we can - and @GPO87 working to build out our own Species area in the meantime. Rather than just forums, I'm thinking about a different system to support all the information that's already there, but with other fields, etc. to support it. Maybe there's a joined-forces way we can collaborate.

Overall, nice podcast - and this episode is very worth a listen! :headphon: Looking forward to the next attempt.
 
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