“let’s ‘get kraken’”: Chimu launches Antarctic expedition in search of the colossal squid
The deep seas are earth’s final frontier—according to UNESCO, only 5 per cent of the planet’s oceans have been explored.
The dark marine abyss is almost completely unknown, especially in Antarctica’s Southern Ocean. That’s why Chimu Adventures are so excited to be working with ocean exploration and conservation non-profit Kolossal to launch the world’s first scientific expedition to look for the colossal squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni.
Departing 30 November, the Ocean Endeavour’s Complete Antarctica 14-day charter, with special guest Adam Spencer, will be extra special for passengers as it’s the pilot voyage for Kolossal’s three-year search for the colossal squid.
“At Chimu Adventures, we are so excited to be a part of this uncharted project”, said Chad Carey, Chimu’s managing director.
“It will launch on our Antarctica expedition cruise, specially chartered by Chimu, with Australian mathematician and media personality Adam Spencer, so we’re thrilled that this trip will have such a strong element of citizen science for our travellers.
“On all our trips, wildlife is an integral part of the experience so the opportunity to learn more about creatures of the deep adds such a unique element to the journey.
“After visiting Antarctica, we find our guests become ambassadors and advocates for the planet so we’re thrilled to educate them about the elusive colossal squid”.
Using innovative deep-sea technology, Kolossal will deploy cameras into the deep Antarctic waters throughout the 2022/2023 season and beyond, with the aim to locate and film a colossal squid by 2025—the 100-year anniversary of the colossal squid’s first discovery in 1925, found inside the stomach of a sperm whale.
The colossal squid, not to be confused with the giant squid, has only been witnessed in nets or photographed on the surface after death.
Thanks to media attention through documentaries like My Octopus Teacher and internet celebrities like Paul, a famous octopus who was known for his winning 2010 World Cup predictions, cephalopods like octopus, squid, and cuttlefish are becoming better understood, but the colossal squid is still very unknown.
Scientists don’t know how common it is, nor if, indeed, it is endangered. That’s why this unique and innovative project will not only increase researchers’ knowledge of the colossal squid, but has broader impacts for the marine environment.
“The colossal squid is an oversized poster species for how little we know about the ocean”, said Matt Mulrennan, marine scientist and founder/CEO of Kolossal.
“It’s the largest invertebrate on our planet, with the world’s biggest eye, hooked tentacles, and likely glows in the dark, does it get any cooler than that? Studying this species in this remote region is a truly challenging adventure. So let’s ‘get kraken’ on this exciting scientific expedition!”
By better understanding the habitat, population numbers, and behaviours of the colossal squid, Kolossal and marine advocates hope to increase restrictions on commercial fishing in Antarctica’s marine reserves, particularly for Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish and mackerel icefish and also increase support for the High Seas Treaty Dialogues, which aims to improve conservation and marine protections in international waters, currently unregulated.
Mulrennan will join Chimu on the Complete Antarctica voyage and will provide an exclusive information session for guests about the colossal squid, with recaps of the day’s findings. Guests will also be able to view the footage and images of the fascinating and unusual deep-sea Antarctic creatures that have been filmed on their voyage.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
antarctica Chad Carey chimu adventures colossal squid Kolossal Matt MulrennanLatest News
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull is departing the agency with effect from Friday May 10. Over the past three years, Turnbull played an instrumental role in driving growth, with one of the agency’s most significant achievements being the increase in visitor spend. Under her leadership, Tourism WA achieved a record breaking $17.7 billion in […]
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
DriveAway has launched its Brit-Euro Blitz: Explore the UK, Europe & Ireland campaign, designed to inspire travellers to uncover the beauty and diversity of those destinations during May and June. The campaign arrives amidst a surge in popularity for destinations across the UK, Europe and Ireland, with year-to-date increases averaging around 30%. Notably, cities such […]
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Great Southern’s Fly and Stay Free special offer will have travellers taking in the views along the east coast between Adelaide and Brisbane next summer. This bright orange locomotive chases the summer sun, sharing the incredible coastline with those who want to experience it by train. The journey reflects the best of Australia, from charming […]
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Gen Z travellers prefer to limit alcohol when overseas and have an increased reliance on TikTok when planning a trip, according to a report by StudentUniverse, the world’s largest online travel retailer for young people. The State of Student & Youth Travel Report for 2024 delved into the latest travel sentiments amongst those aged 18-25 […]
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
Bonza’s future on knife edge
It would seem a long road back from here, perhaps a knife's edge is too much credit.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.