The ocean depths continue to yield surprises, even for scientists prepared for the unexpected. A recent expedition by the National Geographic Pristine Seas team encountered an intelligent and determined marine creature while deploying a baited remote underwater video system (BRUVS) near Niulakita, a small island in the nation of Tuvalu. The encounter, captured on video and shared widely on social media, shows a day octopus physically moving the heavy research equipment in an attempt to reach a tasty reward. This remarkable display of octopus intelligence highlights the complex behaviors of these fascinating animals and underscores the importance of continued ocean exploration.
BRUVS are a common tool used by marine biologists to observe deep-sea life without disturbing their natural habitat. These systems typically consist of a camera and bait, deployed to the seafloor to record the activity of curious creatures. While researchers anticipate a variety of interactions, the recent incident off the coast of Tuvalu was particularly noteworthy. The team shared the footage on Instagram, quickly gaining attention for the octopus’s surprising strength and ingenuity.
An Unexpected Tug-of-War
The footage reveals a day octopus, scientifically known as Octopus cyanea, approaching the BRUVS setup. According to Chris Thompson, a marine ecologist with National Geographic Pristine Seas, the octopus initially focused on the bait canister. “In this footage we witness a day octopus pulling the bait canister of the BRUVS towards its perch on a nearby rock and starting to investigate it with its arms,” Thompson explained. The octopus then began to exert force on the entire camera rig, ultimately shifting it from its original position.
The octopus approaches the baited camera, before heaving it across the rocks. Credit: National Geographic Pristine Seas
The Intelligence of Octopuses
Octopuses are widely recognized as some of the most intelligent invertebrates on Earth. Their intelligence isn’t measured in the same way as mammals, but is demonstrated through problem-solving abilities, complex behaviors, and remarkable adaptability. They possess a decentralized nervous system, with a significant portion of their neurons located in their arms, allowing for independent movement and “tasting” through specialized receptors on their suckers. As Thompson noted, “Octopuses hunt by ‘tasting’ with special receptors on the suckers of their arms. So, once it gets a hold of the canister, this octopus starts feeling around, tastes the delicious sardines inside, and starts trying to get inside.”
The sheer strength displayed by the octopus in the video is also notable. Thompson emphasized that the BRUVS units are not lightweight. “These camera rigs are weighted down with lead weights on their legs and are pretty heavy (about 10-15kg) so it’s pretty impressive that the octopus can move it!” he said. This feat demonstrates not only the octopus’s intelligence but also its physical capabilities.
BRUVS and the Exploration of Marine Ecosystems
The use of BRUVS is becoming increasingly common in marine research, offering a non-invasive way to study underwater ecosystems. These systems allow scientists to observe animal behavior in their natural environment, providing valuable insights into species distribution, abundance, and interactions. The National Geographic Pristine Seas team focuses on exploring and protecting the last wild places in the ocean. Their work involves documenting marine biodiversity and advocating for marine protected areas. The team’s research near Niulakita is part of a broader effort to understand and conserve the unique marine ecosystems of Tuvalu, a low-lying island nation particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Tuvalu, an independent island nation located in the Polynesian subregion of Oceania, is comprised of nine low-lying coral atolls. Worldometers reports a population of approximately 11,396 as of March 2024. The nation faces significant environmental challenges, including rising sea levels and coastal erosion, making the study and protection of its marine resources crucial for its long-term sustainability.
What’s Next for Pristine Seas?
The National Geographic Pristine Seas team continues its expedition in the Pacific, deploying BRUVS and collecting data to inform conservation efforts. The team plans to analyze the footage collected from Niulakita and other sites to assess the health of the reef ecosystems and identify areas in need of protection. The next phase of the expedition will focus on documenting the impact of climate change on coral reefs and marine life in the region. Further updates on their findings and conservation initiatives will be available on the National Geographic Pristine Seas website.
This remarkable encounter serves as a reminder of the wonders that remain hidden beneath the waves and the importance of continued exploration and conservation of our planet’s oceans. Share your thoughts on this incredible display of octopus intelligence in the comments below.
