ISC Newsletter - Vol 07 No 3 - 1988

Magazine Overview

This issue of The ISC Newsletter, published in Autumn 1988, is primarily dedicated to the mysterious "Bermuda Blob" and its potential connection to other unidentified organic masses, or "Globsters," found worldwide. The newsletter also features an article on the formation of a new Soviet cryptozoology society and an announcement for an upcoming Sasquatch symposium.

Bermuda Blob Remains Unidentified

The lead article details the discovery of a large, unidentified organic mass, dubbed the "Bermuda Blob," that washed ashore in Mangrove Bay, Bermuda, in May 1988. Local fisherman Teddy Tucker found the "rubbery" mass, which was approximately 8 feet long. Unable to identify it, Tucker contacted Eugenie Clark, a marine biologist and ISC Board member, who also ruled out a shark. Photos of the Blob were circulated among marine biologists, but no definitive identification was made. A chunk of the Blob was preserved in formalin. The article notes Tucker's prior fame for finding a valuable emerald cross while wreck diving.

Further investigation into the Blob's composition revealed it had no bones or cartilage, was "very dense and solid," had no odor, and no visible openings. It was described as being difficult to cut, like "trying to cut a car tire." Initial attempts to identify it by whale experts and high-polymer lab specialists were unsuccessful. Specialists at the Smithsonian Institution, including marine mammalogists James Mead and Clyde Roper, and cephalopod expert Roy Mackal, were also consulted, but none could identify the animal.

The possibility that the Blob is the remains of a giant octopus is explored, drawing parallels to the 1896 St. Augustine, Florida, carcass. This case, initially identified as a giant octopus by A.E. Verrill, was later changed to a giant squid without direct examination. Subsequent analysis of the St. Augustine specimen by cell biologist Joseph Gennaro and Roy Mackal supported the giant octopus hypothesis, though definitive proof remained elusive.

The article discusses the potential size of giant octopuses, with estimates ranging from 20-25 feet for known species to speculative sizes of 50-100 feet or even 100-200 feet radial spread, based on the St. Augustine carcass and eyewitness accounts.

The investigation into the Bermuda Blob is ongoing, with plans to send a preserved sample to the Smithsonian Institution for further biochemical analysis. Jerold Lowenstein at the University of California Medical Center has agreed to conduct immunological response analysis.

Globster Cases: Tasmania and New Zealand

The newsletter extensively details similar "Globster" cases to provide context for the Bermuda Blob. The Tasmanian Globster, found in August 1960, was described as measuring 20 by 18 feet and weighing between 5 and 10 tons. It was noted for having no smell, no sign of decomposition, and a skin as hard as ever. An expedition led by Bruce Mollison, a zoologist with CSIRO, examined the carcass in March 1962. The material was described as tough, fibrous, and loaded with fatty or oily substances, with no visible eyes, defined head, or apparent bone structure. The exterior skin was "creamy" and "rubbery," with hair-like material attributed to desiccation. Despite initial investigations, the government, under Minister John Gorton, quickly concluded it was a "decomposing portion of a large marine mammal" or whale blubber, effectively ending further scientific inquiry.

Another Globster was found on Muriwai Beach, New Zealand, in March 1968, described as 30 feet long and 8 feet high, and also reported as "hairy."

A third Globster was found in western Tasmania in 1970 by the same landowner who found the 1960 specimen. This one was described as about 8 feet long and "humped," with a tough, leather-like hide.

The article notes that in all these cases, the carcasses were tough and hard to cut, usually odorless, and very "stringy" or "hairy," and largely unidentifiable by experts. The possibility that these cases, including the Bermuda Blob, might all be remains of giant octopuses is raised.

Soviets Form Cryptozoology Society

This section reports on the establishment of the "Association of Cryptozoologists" in the Soviet Union, a new group closely linked to the ISC. The creation of this society was facilitated by Mikhail Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika. Dmitri Bayanov, chairman of the Relict Hominoid Research Seminar, was instrumental, with Marie-Jeanne Koffmann undertaking the legal establishment. The Association's constitution defines its purpose as the "search for animals unknown to science or believed to be extinct" within USSR territory. A unique aspect is a non-killing policy for members. The Association currently has about 50 members, with Dr. Koffmann serving as chairperson. Their interests include hominology, but also extend to reports of strange snakes, giant snakes, Asian cheetahs, and large lizards in Soviet territories.

Sasquatch Symposium

An announcement is made for the Eighth Annual Membership Meeting of the ISC, which will be dedicated to a symposium on Sasquatch (Bigfoot) and other unverified hominids. The event is scheduled for June 24-25, 1989, at Washington State University, hosted by the Department of Anthropology. The symposium is organized by Grover Krantz, Vladimir Markotic, and Richard Greenwell. Speakers will include John Green, Frank Poirier, Danny Perez, Bruce Davis, Jack Lapseritis, Paul Freeman, James Hewkin, Lonnie Somer, Thomas Steenburg, Mark Francis, Pennington Smith, Terry Cullen, Vladimir Sapunov, and Igor Bourtsev. A panel discussion on "What Would Happen if Definite Evidence is Found?" is also planned.

Message from the Editor

Editor J. Richard Greenwell shares a personal anecdote about discovering a bound volume of the journal "Cryptozoology" in the University of Arizona's Science Library. He reflects on the enduring nature of the journal and the Society's contribution to posterity, expressing gratitude to the members for their contributions.

Cryptoletters

This section includes a letter from a reader expressing their perspective on Tim Dinsdale, a dedicated researcher of the Loch Ness Monster. The letter highlights Dinsdale's extensive efforts, including over 56 expeditions and more than 580 days spent on Loch Ness. It emphasizes his personal qualities of curiosity, willingness to learn, and acceptance of responsibility, noting his devotion to his family and his avoidance of polemics surrounding the Loch Ness phenomenon.

Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE)

A brief mention is made of the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE), founded in 1982, which has broader interests than ISC, encompassing parapsychology, UFO reports, and other esoteric fields, while adhering to standard scientific procedures. SSE has begun publishing a new journal, the "Journal of Scientific Exploration," and has introduced a new membership category for laypersons called "Associate."

Apology

An apology is issued for the delay in publishing the newsletter, attributed to erratic behavior of the Society's new computer. The computer has since been repaired and is now functioning perfectly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of unidentified biological phenomena, particularly marine "Globsters," and the ongoing efforts of cryptozoological societies worldwide. The ISC, through its newsletter, serves as a platform for disseminating information on these cases, fostering scientific inquiry, and connecting researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded scientific investigation, encouraging the exploration of unexplained phenomena while maintaining a rigorous approach. The formation of the Soviet cryptozoology society and the Sasquatch symposium highlight the growing global interest and organization within the field.

The ISC Newsletter, Autumn 1988, Vol. 7, No. 3, is a publication of the International Society of Cryptozoology. This issue features a tribute to the late Tim Dinsdale, reports on potential cryptozoological discoveries, and an extensive compilation of facts about large octopus species.

Tributes and Personal Reflections

In Memory of Tim Dinsdale

Henry H. Bauer writes a heartfelt tribute to Tim Dinsdale, emphasizing his integrity and positive influence. Bauer notes that Dinsdale, despite witnessing the exploitative and self-serving aspects of human nature within the pursuit of knowledge, never became cynical or bitter. He maintained his ideals and a certain naivete about people, always trusting readily. Dinsdale approached his work with seriousness but not self-importance, often exclaiming "Isn't it all fun?" Bauer recounts Dinsdale's profound influence on many and expresses sadness that he could not live to see his "Nessie finally revealed," but takes solace in the high regard expressed for him, particularly Roy Mackal's words at Tim's election as an Honorary Member of the Society in Edinburgh in July 1987.

Field Reports and Investigations

Proposed Research in Durango, Mexico

Roger Otto, writing from Pierce, Nebraska, U.S.A., describes his discovery of what appears to be the southernmost population of black bear in North America, located in a wilderness area of the Eastern Sierra Madre mountain range in Durango, Mexico. This area, characterized by rugged canyons and ravines, is home to a threatened population of black bear and potentially the Mexican grey wolf. Otto also notes the presence of two types of mountain lion: the common leon pardo (puma) and the leon onza, which is reportedly lighter, taller, and more aggressive. Otto is seeking funding for fieldwork in this region and invites interested parties to contact him through the ISC Secretariat.

Sasquatch Sighting in Nova Scotia

Phil Lange, from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, shares an account of a potential Sasquatch sighting. He was contacted by a gentleman whose son, while on Army maneuvers in Nova Scotia, Canada, heard sounds of a large animal in the bush and detected a distinct musty smell. Although the son did not see the creature, other soldiers reportedly did. Lange notes that roadblocks were erected, and soldiers were debriefed and ordered to secrecy, suggesting the event was taken seriously. He speculates that this could either be an event recorded in official Canadian Armed Forces records or a sociopsychological experiment in secrecy.

Scientific Data and Compilations

Wood's Animal Facts: Giant Octopuses

This section, abstracted from "The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats" by Gerald L. Wood, details the impressive sizes of various octopus species, primarily focusing on the North Pacific's Octopus apollyon (O. dofleini).

• General Size: The species regularly exceeds 12ft (3.7m) in radial spread and 55lb (25kg) in weight.
• Monterey Bay Specimen: One individual trapped in a net had a radial spread of over 20ft (6.1m) and weighed 110lb (50kg).
• Puget Sound Specimen: Donald E. Hagen measured a giant octopus in Lower Hoods Canal, Puget Sound, Washington, on February 18, 1973. Its overall length was 12ft 8.5in (3.87m), with arm lengths ranging from 11ft 8in (3.56m) to 13ft 3in (4.04m), and a relaxed radial spread of 23ft (7m). The arms constitute about 78% of the total length.
• Dungeness Specimen: Another individual caught off Dungeness, Washington, reportedly weighed 125lb (57kg).
• Further Accounts: Jerry Brown told Jacques Yves Cousteau of an octopus with a radial spread of over 30ft (9.1m) and an estimated weight of over 200lb (91kg). Bernard Heuvelmans credits the species with measurements up to 32ft (9.85m) and a weight of 275lb (125kg).
• South Pacific Octopods: Octopods from coral reefs off Port de Papeari, Tahiti, also reach large sizes. Wilmon Menard reported one spanning 18ft (5.5m) killed by locals.
• Historical Record: In 1874, Dr. William H. Dall speared an Octopus hongkongensis in Illiuliuk Harbor, Unalaska Island, Alaska, with a radial spread of 32ft (9.8m). The body was small (12x6in), and the creature weighed no more than 20lb (9.1kg).

Society Information

Honorary Members and Benefactors

The newsletter lists several Honorary Members, including Andre Capart (Belgium), Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer (South Africa), John Green (Canada), The Lord Hunt of Llanfair Waterdine (U.K.), Marie-Jeanne Koffmann (U.S.S.R.), Ingo Krumbiegel (Federal German Republic), Theodore Monod (France), Sir Peter Scott (U.K.), and Robert Titmus (Canada). Benefactors and Corporate Sponsors are also listed, along with the International Society of Cryptozoology's P.O. Box and address in Tucson, Arizona.

Editorial Stance

William S. Pietrzak, writing from Zionsville, Indiana, U.S.A., expresses his appreciation for the Society's work, stating that he has had an intense interest in cryptozoology since long before he knew the term. He praises Roy Mackal's book on the Congo expeditions and commends the Society's "free thinking, boldness with caution, and sound reasoning" as epitomizing good science.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the legacy of researchers in the field of cryptozoology (Tim Dinsdale), the potential for new discoveries in remote locations (Mexico, Canada), and the detailed documentation of known but extraordinary animal phenomena (giant octopuses). The editorial stance, as reflected in the letters and content, is one of rigorous scientific inquiry combined with an open mind to unusual phenomena, emphasizing boldness with caution and sound reasoning.