In a groundbreaking achievement, a giant squid has been captured on video for the first time in U.S. waters, specifically in the Gulf of Mexico. This rare footage has sparked widespread interest and excitement among scientists and the public alike.

Meet the Explorer Behind the Discovery

The remarkable video is the result of efforts by deep-sea explorer Edith Widder, founder of the Ocean Research and Conservation Association. Widder has long been fascinated by the elusive giant squid, which is notoriously difficult to observe in its natural habitat deep below the ocean's surface.

Innovative Techniques to Find the Giant Squid

Widder suspected that traditional submersibles, with their bright lights and noisy engines, were scaring away the squid. To counter this, she designed a silent vessel that emits a light pattern mimicking a deep-sea jellyfish. Her innovative approach first yielded success during an expedition off the coast of Japan in 2012, where she recorded a giant squid, earning her a place in natural cinematography history.

The Gulf of Mexico Expedition

This year, supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Widder and her team set sail for the Gulf of Mexico. For over a week, a device called Medusa trailed their research vessel, recording video from more than 6,000 feet below the surface. The footage was reviewed every few days by scientists.

A Moment of Discovery

Researcher Micah Cawley was the first to spot the giant squid on the video. Initially shocked, he quickly alerted Widder, who followed him back to the lab. There, they watched as a tubular shape swam out of the darkness and straight towards the camera. It was a 20-foot-long giant squid, captured 100 miles off the coast of New Orleans.

Raising Awareness and Protecting Oceans

The video of the giant squid has captivated the public's imagination. Widder emphasizes the importance of such discoveries in raising awareness about the incredible life forms that inhabit our oceans and the urgent need to protect them. She warns that we are on the verge of destroying these precious ecosystems before we even fully understand them.

This historic footage not only marks a significant scientific achievement but also serves as a reminder of the wonders that lie beneath the ocean's surface and the importance of preserving them for