How did scientists detect giant squid off Western Australia using eDNA?

Scientists detected giant squid off Western Australia by collecting over 1,000 water samples from deep submarine canyons and analyzing them for environmental DNA (eDNA) shed by animals into seawater.

How eDNA Detection Works

Scientists collected water samples from the deep submarine canyons and analyzed them for environmental DNA—genetic material naturally shed by animals into seawater. As animals live, they release tiny DNA particles through skin, mucus, and feces that disperse into surrounding water. By extracting and analyzing these genetic signatures, researchers could identify species without seeing or capturing them directly. Lead author Dr Georgia Nester explained that a single water sample can reveal hundreds of species at once, making eDNA a transformative tool for deep-sea environments where traditional cameras and nets may fail to capture the full picture.