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eDNA Confirms Giant Squid Off Ningaloo After 25 Years

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers led by Dr Georgia Nester used environmental DNA to confirm giant-squid DNA off Australia’s Ningaloo Coast, in Cape Range and Cloates canyons.
The survey analyzed 178 samples down to 4,540 m, identifying 226 species from 126 families, including 83 new records.
eDNA revealed moving organisms—such as sleeper sharks—without capture, marking the first eDNA-based giant-squid record in Western Australia and the first observation in over 25 years, according to researcher Lisa Kirkendale.

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Story summary

Researchers led by Dr Georgia Nester used environmental DNA to confirm giant-squid DNA off Australia’s Ningaloo Coast, in Cape Range and Cloates canyons.
The survey analyzed 178 samples down to 4,540 m, identifying 226 species from 126 families, including 83 new records.
eDNA revealed moving organisms—such as sleeper sharks—without capture, marking the first eDNA-based giant-squid record in Western Australia and the first observation in over 25 years, according to researcher Lisa Kirkendale.