Te Papa Scientists Prepare For Squid Examination

23 April 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

Testing A Colossal Piece Of Ice – Te Papa Scientists Prepare For Squid Examination

Technicians preparing for the defrosting of the largest ever colossal squid specimen have successfully practised with a test block of ice today.

The specimen has been frozen in fishing net inside a 1.5m3 plastic container encased by a metal frame since February 2007 and provides a unique set of circumstances for the scientists and technicians.

‘The specimen we received in 2003 arrived at Te Papa in a bag and was much easier to work with,’ said Dr Carol Diebel, Te Papa’s Natural Environment Director.

‘With this specimen, we have to remove the container around it, manoeuvre the frozen squid in to the defrosting tank, then carefully remove the net as it defrosts - a very delicate procedure,’ Dr Diebel said.

The scientists used a test block of ice to calculate the time it would take to defrost and also what the best way to move it from the container in to the thawing tank and are now eager to start work on the colossal squid specimen.

‘We estimate it will take about 36 hours to fully defrost,’ said Mr Chris Paulin, Te Papa’s Projects and Compliance Manager.

People will be able to watch the defrost and dissection live on Te Papa’s website from midday Sunday 27 April and can be seen in Te Papa’s Discovery Centres and Te Aka Matua Library and Information Centre. The scientists will also be blogging about what they are finding throughout the process (http://blog.tepapa.govt.nz/category/colossal-squid).

A series of lectures by the scientists commence on Thursday 1 May from 11am in Soundings Theatre including a special lecture by Dr Steve O’Shea about the colossal squid dissection at 6.30pm in Espresso on Level 4. A timetable of lectures follows.

Media are invited to attend the dissection between 11am and 12noon at Te Papa’s Tory St facility to see the specimen and talk with the scientists involved with the examination.

LECTURE SERIES

Thursday 1 May 2008
Soundings Theatre, Level 2, Free entry
11am–12 noon: Kat Bolstad: Big Suckers: Giant Squid Research in New Zealand

12.30–1.30pm: Peter Batson: Here Be Monsters … A Dark Journey to the Ocean Underworld
2pm–3pm: Dr Eric Warrant: The Weird and Wonderful Eyes of Animals Who Live in the Dark and the Deep Sea
3.30pm–4.30pm: Dr Steve O'Shea: Squid: Small, Giant, and Colossal

5pm–6pm: Dr Tsunemi Kubodera: The Search for Giant Squid in Japanese Waters

Science Express, Espresso, Level 4
6.30 – 8.30pm: Colossal Squid – The Dissection
The biggest colossal squid ever caught has been attracting attention from around the world. The creature has been stored in Te Papa’s research facility awaiting examination and preservation for eventual display. Join world-renowned marine-biologist and squid expert Dr Steve O'Shea to discuss the findings from its dissection. Proudly supported by GNS Science and the Royal Society of New Zealand, Wellington Branch
Free entry (no registration but limited numbers – first in first served). The lectures will be also available as a video feed on the Marae. Suitable for children.

Friday 2 May 2008
Soundings Theatre, Level 2, Free entry
12 noon–1pm: Kat Bolstad: Big Suckers: Giant Squid Research in New Zealand
1.30pm–2.30pm: Dr Eric Warrant or Dr Dan-Eric Nilsson: The Weird and Wonderful Eyes of Animals Who Live in the Dark and the Deep Sea
3pm–4pm: Dr Steve O'Shea: Squid: Small, Giant, and Colossal
Free entry (no registration but limited numbers – first in first served). The lectures will be also available as a video feed on the Marae. Suitable for children.

ends

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