Here’s what’s known recently about the giant squid near Western Australia and the Edna (eDNA) findings:
Direct answer
- Multiple outlets in early May 2026 reported that environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis detected giant squid traces in deep-water canyons off the Nyinggulu/Ningaloo coast of Western Australia, marking the first molecular evidence of Architeuthis dux in WA waters and the northernmost eastern Indian Ocean record.[2][3][4]
Key details
- The detections came from a Curtin University–led expedition using environmental DNA, which identified giant squid signals across several water samples without requiring live captures or sightings.[3][2]
- The study also documented a broader biodiversity signal, finding evidence of 226 species across multiple deep-sea groups, highlighting the value of eDNA for studying hard-to-sample deep habitats.[2][3]
- Local experts emphasized this as the first WA record via eDNA, with only a couple prior records of giant squid in the state over the past 25+ years; live observations or specimens had not accompanied the molecular signals in the WA region before this survey.[3][2]
Context and implications
- This discovery expands the known range of the giant squid and demonstrates eDNA as a powerful tool for confirming presence in remote or deep environments where traditional methods are challenging.[2][3]
- Follow-up work is planned to refine reference databases and further survey deep-water habitats, which may reveal more about distribution, abundance, and ecology in Western Australian waters.[2]
Illustrative note
- Visual confirmation (photos or videos) of the giant squid was not reported in these WA eDNA results, but the genetic traces provide strong evidence of its presence in the deeper canyons.[2]
If you’d like, I can pull specific quotes from the articles or summarize regional reactions and any planned next steps from the WA institutions involved. I can also compile a short timeline of the key announcements and their dates.
Sources
Scientists have found evidence of giant squid and numerous other rarely seen marine creatures off the coast of Western Australia.
www.discoverwildlife.comFor the first time in 25 years, a giant squid has been detected in Western Australian waters - one of 226 species uncovered in eDNA survey.
oceanographicmagazine.comA Curtin University-led study has revealed the extraordinary biodiversity hidden in deep underwater canyons off Western Australia's Nyinggulu (Ningaloo) coast, ranging from species previously undetected in the area, such as the elusive giant squid, to others thought to be new to science.
phys.orgScientists have detected evidence of a giant squid off the coast of Western Australia for the first time in more than 25 years. The scientists used samples of seawater to detect evidence of monster creatures.This mysterious...
www.geo.tvScientists used australia giant squid edna research to detect evidence of a giant squid off Western Australia’s coast in deep-sea canyon water samples, marking the first eDNA record of the species there. The survey also found 226 species in waters around the Cape Range and Cloates canyons, 1,200km n…
www.el-balad.comA Curtin University-led study has revealed the extraordinary biodiversity hidden in deep underwater canyons off Western Australia’s Nyinggulu (Ningaloo) coast, ranging from species previously undetected in the area, such as the elusive giant squid, to others thought to be new to science. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) - genetic material naturally shed by animals into seawater - scientists were able to document what species live in these deep habitats without needing to see or capture them.
www.eurekalert.orgPERTH, Australia — Scientists have confirmed the presence of the legendary giant squid in Western Australian waters for the first time using cutting-edge environmental DNA technology, revealing a hidden world of biodiversity in the deep submarine canyons off the Ningaloo Coast.
www.ibtimes.com.auScientists have detected giant squid DNA in deep waters off Western Australia for the first time in more than 25 years using advanced eDNA technology.
www.moneycontrol.comAustralian scientists uncovered environmental DNA evidence of the elusive giant squid, a 43-foot-long deep-sea creature with pizza-sized eyes, off Western Australia’s coast.
www.newsbytesapp.comScientists found giant squid western australia edna DNA in six separate samples from two deep submarine canyons off the Nyinggulu coast. The record is the first for Western Australian waters using eDNA protocols, and it arrives after more than 25 years without evidence from the state.Dr Georgia Nest…
www.el-balad.com