9/25 Kitsap Sun–Researchers Wondering Why Jumbo Squid Suddenly Moved North–By Christopher Dunagan
BREMERTON —
The Humboldt squid, a voracious predator that can grow to 100 pounds in two years, has captured the attention of researchers all along the West Coast.
Thousands of the mysterious creatures appeared suddenly off the Washington Coast and Strait of Juan de Fuca this summer. Some researchers say the aggressive animal, which has generally stayed south of California, has the potential to disrupt local ecosystems in more northern areas.
Why the squid arrived here and how long it will stay are just two of the questions researchers would like to answer. Since the squid eat just about anything — including young salmon — fisheries managers are looking for answers that can help them protect vulnerable species.
This week, Greg Bargmann, a biologist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and William Gilly, a Stanford University researcher, went about 20 miles offshore of Westport to catch a few dozen squid. Stomach contents were examined in about 30 animals. Another 24 were implanted with acoustic tags, which will allow researchers to track their movements through a network of acoustic receivers up and down the West Coast, including Canada.
More at
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2009/sep/25/researchers-wondering-why-jumbo-squid-suddenly/
Filed under: Puget Sound | Tagged: Puget Sound |
