Humboldt squid raise new questions for curious people
September 26th, 2009 by cdunaganWhat do we really know about the Humboldt squid?
I’ve seen a variety of news stories marveling about the sudden appearance of these jumbo squid off the Washington Coast and Strait of Juan de Fuca. But what surprised me, as I talked to researchers and gathered information, was the lack of solid data about these mysterious creatures. Please check out my story in today’s Kitsap Sun.
We’ll probably see a growing level of research commensurate with the growing numbers of squid. I think any biologist, or most layman for that matter, feel a natural curiosity for this highly energetic animal that is so different from the marine species we are used to seeing in Washington waters.
If nothing else, you’ve got to wonder how a species closely related to shellfish can grow to 100 pounds within two or three years. And you’ve got to question whether these squid might do serious damage to the local ecosystem before their prey runs out.
An interesting radio program, recorded three years ago, features two of the leading West Coast researchers in squid science, William Gilly of Hopkins Marine Station at Stanford University and Ken Baltz of NOAA Fisheries. Jennifer Stock, education coordinator for Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, conducted the interview for KWMR community radio in Point Reyes Station, Calif.
The Humboldt squid has been in Washington waters before. Some showed up last year, though greater numbers were seen in 2004. Since they only live two or three years, we are bound to see a good number of them washing up on shore when thousands have been swimming offshore.
I almost forgot to mention that Kitsap Sun reporter Chris Henry and her husband Mike had a personal encounter with a squid in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Check out the story on her blog Speaking of South Kitsap.
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