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.
Highlights
Seismic surveys are used globally to locate and map oil and gas reservoirs under the seabed
We report the first sighting of a dead giant squid documented from a seismic vessel during the time of the survey, and discuss whether the death of this animal could be evidence of the risks posed by the activity
Most records of Architeuthis are from the Northern Atlantic, with a few reports off southern Brazil (Arfelli et al 1991; Martins and Perez, 2009)
Summary
Seismic surveys are used globally to locate and map oil and gas reservoirs under the seabed. Dead beached squids have been documented in the vicinity of seismic surveys (André et al 2011; Guerra et al 2004). We report the first sighting of a dead giant squid documented from a seismic vessel during the time of the survey, and discuss whether the death of this animal could be evidence of the risks posed by the activity.
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