Nessletter - No 015 - 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: NessInformation Service Nessletter
Issue: No. 15
Date: April 1976
Publisher: NessInformation Service
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the Nessletter focuses on underwater expeditions and biological studies related to Scottish lochs, particularly Loch Ness and Loch Morar, alongside a brief report of a possible sighting.

Videomaster!

The issue opens with a critique of a firm called 'Videomaster' and their experiments at Loch Ness. The author expresses disappointment with publicity stunts that are revealed as fakes, citing a 'New Scientist' article from February 12th. The article mentions comments from David James and Dr. David Creasey of Birmingham University, who believe such frauds harm serious undertakings. The author questions the organizers' consideration for others when pursuing such publicity.

Loch Morar Expedition

In contrast to the 'silly attitude' of Videomaster, the newsletter highlights the upcoming expedition to Loch Morar. This expedition is supported by five firms in the electronics business and L.N.I. Adrian Shine, the organizer, describes the effort as a result of three years of work in developing original methods of underwater observation. The report from 1975 detailed manned equipment and the introduction of underwater TV. For the current year, the main rig is surface-manned, allowing almost anyone to participate if they can cover costs and endure the conditions. Shine explains that their system differs from Rines/Edgerton's by using TV instead of conventional strobe cameras, and employs a different operational principle. The goal is to achieve full coverage of the target in a moving film. The expedition runs from June to August and is open to those who can work and pay their way. Interested individuals are directed to contact A.J. Shine at Tweenhills, Hurst Lane, Egham, Surrey. The subscription is £20 per week (£15 for students), including food. Participants are cautioned about the challenges of working in large bodies of water, unpredictable weather, and the need for adherence to rules, hard work, and potential boredom, but it is presented as a 'marvellous opportunity' to find evidence.

Expedition Principles and Equipment (Loch Morar)

The 1974/75 expeditions at Loch Morar were based on specific principles. A continuous surface watch was not attempted, as it was deemed less contributory to the objective. Underwater work was prioritized, noting Loch Morar's exceptional clarity and lack of peat compared to Loch Ness. Potential food sources like fish, plankton, detritus, and plants were considered, with a focus on the photic zone (within forty feet) where light penetrates for photosynthesis. The creatures observed suggested a fish predator, possibly frequenting shallow bays or 'patrol lines'.

Operations explored shallow waters. A key piece of equipment was 'Machan', a forty-inch diameter fibre glass sphere with plate glass ports, designed to rest silently on the bottom at about thirty feet for photography using existing light. Air was supplied from the surface, with ballast hung below. Machan was submerged about thirty times in 1975, some for up to two hours, without incident, and fish showed curiosity.

Another development was 'Pequod', a glass-bottomed boat used to search shallower waters down to about thirty feet. A galvanized anchor was seen at fifty feet. The aim was to find organic remains or evidence of large creatures.

The most significant development was the introduction of video equipment, supported by Stanmore Video Ltd. This closed-circuit television system allows continuous underwater surveillance without disturbing the water or posing risks to life. An underwater camera feeds a surface monitor, operating even in low light conditions, with immediate viewing and recording capabilities, eliminating film processing.

This video equipment will be primarily used in the current year's operations. Cameras are directed upward towards the surface to maximize light, extending range and coverage, minimizing light scattering, and providing high-contrast silhouette images.

The Loch Morar work requires manpower, offering a chance to contribute to solving the 'age-old mystery'.

Entomology of Loch Ness-side

Following a talk by Tim Dinsdale at Imperial College, Mr. J.P. Brock B.Sc. (Hons.), President of the Natural History Society, shared notes on the natural environment at Loch Ness. He stated that while the area seems entomologically promising, few records have been published, mainly concerning butterflies and bumble bees. Since 1974, Brock has been collecting ichneumon wasps around Loch Ness, expanding his survey in 1975 with the help of other specialists. The 1975 trip was sponsored by I.C. Exploration Board and the Nature Conservancy (Inverness).

The Nature Conservancy identified two Sites of Special Scientific Interest on Loch Ness-side: the alder swamp at Urquhart Bay and the river gorge at Inverfarigaig, with no prior insect records from these sites.

The mild climate and low altitude of Loch Ness are expected to support species normally found further south. Entomologists have typically focused on the boreo-alpine faunas of regions like the Cairngorms, neglecting milder, coastal 'refugiae' like Loch Ness. Brock's team has found evidence of southern species, including butterflies and moths, occurring at Loch Ness. They also identified three species of Ichneumon wasps not previously recorded in the British Isles.

A significant concern is the replacement of rich deciduous forest around Loch Ness by alien conifers, with no apparent conservational measures being taken. Brock views this as a matter of 'extreme urgency' for biologists, warning of irreversible, large-scale diminution of local fauna and flora.

In summary, Brock concludes that a proper biological study of Loch Ness-side is overdue and his preliminary studies suggest considerable potential in the area.

The newsletter notes that this indicates increased respectability for Loch Ness, and hopes it signifies growing interest from scientists across disciplines.

Sighting

Around April 13th, 1976, two Fort Augustus policemen, a Sergeant and constable, patrolling the west side of Loch Ness near Invermoriston, observed a disturbance in the water about 200 yards out. Sergeant Nicholson initially thought it was a distressed boat. Upon reaching the water's edge, they saw what appeared to be two fins, silver-grey in color and about 20-25 feet apart, cutting through the water in a northerly direction.

This incident was reported in the press. The author has attempted to contact the policemen but has received no reply, thus having no further details or ability to comment on the report's value.

Expedition (Loch Ness)

Two salesmen from Northamptonshire are planning a water-borne watch on Loch Ness, intending to use a large motor cruiser for up to six months. They are building sonar tracking equipment and hope to include experienced divers. This is described as a 'very good private attempt', with a hope that they are aware of the dangers of Loch Ness and take precautions.

Books

A member has supplied a book list, which is enclosed with the Nessletter, though it is incomplete. Three notable omissions are Tim Dinsdale's "The Leviathans" and "Project Water Horse", and Nick Witchell's "The Loch Ness Story". Copies of "The Search for Morag" can be obtained from Mrs. E. Montgomery Campbell. Tim's 'Ops Newsletter' also features book news.

N.I.S. at Loch Ness

Several members have provided information on their planned visits to Loch Ness:

• Bob Ballard: Three weeks in early September, usually operating from relations in Inverness, covering various parts of the loch.
• Grahame Snape: Latter part of July through early August, normally staying at Strone Point but travelling around the loch.
• Ricky Gardiner: Mid-July to late August, driving a white Toyota TTJ 611M, and has previously camped and watched on the southern shore.
• Nick Witchell: Mid-June through September, with his main base at Strone Point, but moves around to suit.
• R.R. Hepple (the author): July 25th to August 6th, using Land Rover KTY 984, based in the Abrichan pier area.

Members are encouraged to share their visit details to facilitate meeting others and exchanging stories and ideas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes serious scientific investigation into the phenomena associated with Loch Ness and Loch Morar, contrasting this with what it views as frivolous publicity stunts. There is a strong emphasis on the need for rigorous methodology, innovative technology (like underwater TV), and dedicated fieldwork. The editorial stance supports the idea that these lochs hold potential for significant discoveries, whether biological or related to unexplained phenomena. The publication also serves as a community hub for researchers and enthusiasts, encouraging information sharing and collaboration. The inclusion of an entomological study highlights a broader scientific interest in the Loch Ness environment, moving beyond the singular focus on 'monsters'. The newsletter also adopts a cautionary tone regarding safety during expeditions and the importance of conservation.