11/05/2026
Like Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth Gulf, the deep water canyons off the Ningaloo coast have also been found to be highly biodiverse.
Scientists have recently discovered evidence of 226 species previously undetected in the area including giant squid (Architeuthis dux) , the first recorded detection of the species in WA for over 25 years.
The Curtin University led study collected environmental DNA (eDNA) – genetic material naturally shed by animals into seawater – to document what species live in these deep habitats without needing to see or capture them.
The study highlights the diversity that exists in these deep marine environments and provides an important baseline as these habitats face increasing pressure from climate change, fishing and resource extraction.
The Ningaloo Canyons start just a few kilometres off the coast and the study collected samples from up depths of up to 4510metres. Seasonal upwellings from the canyons also contribute nutrients to this complex marine ecosystem.
This exciting find shows there is much to learn about the ocean.
Study participants: coral
Schmidt Ocean Institute
WA Museum Boola Bardip Curtin University, The University of Western Australia, Minderoo OceanOmics Centre UWA, University of Tasmania and Research Connect Blue.
📷 Image, courtesy of Schmidt Ocean Institute, shows a Megalocranchia squid observed on dive 337 in the Cape Range Canyon Australia, at a depth of 2442m.
