Nessletter - No 016 - 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: Ness Information Service Nessletter
Issue: No.16
Date: June 1976
Publisher: Ness Information Service
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Ness Information Service Nessletter provides updates on various investigations into lake monsters, particularly at Loch Ness, Loch Morar, and Lake Champlain. It also includes a scientific analysis questioning the feasibility of large, predatory aquatic creatures.

Loch Ness Expedition

The Academy of Applied Science's team, led by Bob Rines, is operating at Loch Ness with support from the 'New York Times' and 'NBC'. This year, they are employing a new strategy of monitoring from shore using TV scanners and strobe-light sites, aiming to activate strobe and movie cameras when an intrusion is detected. This differs from previous years where equipment was sited on the loch floor. The process is described as patient waiting for results.

Loch Morar Expedition

Adrian Shine is leading an expedition at Loch Morar. Tim Dinsdale has provided assistance for a short period. The equipment used includes underwater TV, sited at depths down to 100 feet, with shore monitoring. The article expresses hope that this effort will yield results.

Lake Champlain Investigation

Joe Zarynski and freelance writer Mr Bierman are planning a privately financed expedition to Lake Champlain to investigate reports of 'monsters'. These reports date back to Samuel de Champlain in 1609. Lake Champlain is described as being about 110 miles long, up to 11 miles wide, and 400 feet deep, with a significant fish population. The expedition plans to conduct research, shorewatching, and use special underwater cameras from a sailboat. They have promised to provide updates for future Nessletters. Contact information for Joe Zarynski is provided: 11 Lincoln Avenue, Endicott, New York 13760, USA.

Publications Mentioned

Tim Dinsdale's 'Ops. Newsletter' mentions 'MIT's' Technology Review (March/April, 1976) as a valuable addition to 'Nessie' literature. Copies can be obtained from 'Ness', Technology Review, Room E19-430, M.I.T., Cambridge, Mass. 02139, U.S.A., for $1.00 each, with potential postage charges for overseas applications.

N.I.S. at the Lochside

M. Jean Berton is expected to be at Loch Ness in mid-August, staying at Strone Point with the Carys and driving a dark green, 2CU. Citroen with French Registration 358 HF 07.

Odds and Ends

Caledonian Canal Closure: In late May, the Caledonian Canal was closed due to the failure of two gates at the Muirtown Locks, causing fears of flooding in Inverness. Mr B Davenport of the British Waterways Board stated that repairs could take up to a month.

Monster Information Centre: Frank Searle, a long-time monster watcher, has applied for permission to establish a Monster Information Centre at Erchite Wood by Dores. This is contingent on approval from the Inverness Divisional Planning Committee and permission from landowners, including the Forestry Commission, who are reportedly unsupportive.

BBC Documentary: A BBC documentary on Loch Ness and the monster was broadcast on Tuesday, June 8th. It is described as a well-produced program offering a balanced view of the evidence.

Back Numbers: A limited number of NIS Nessletters (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14) and Tim Dinsdale's 'Operation Newsletter' (March 1974 - April 1975) are available from R.R.Hepple. The cost is 20 pence in the UK and $1.00 in the USA. Interested parties are advised to confirm availability before sending payment.

Additional Notes to The Field Article by F.W.Holiday

F.W.Holiday addresses the British Museum's rejection of Loch Ness monsters, attributing it to the apparent violation of the first law of thermodynamics. He calculates that a 70-foot 'Nessie' weighing 35 tons would consume approximately 70 pounds of food daily, meaning ten such creatures would require about 100 tons of fish annually. However, he notes that the estimated salmon entering Loch Ness is only about 4,050 per year, with most being caught by fishermen or the Board. The presence of dwarf char and a small elver run are insufficient to support a population of large predatory monsters. Holiday suggests that the answer to the mystery may lie on the loch floor, possibly indicating a 'gigantic worm' rather than a plesiosaur, as this would not require the suspension of thermodynamic laws. He also references core samples indicating a large volume of organic solids in Loch Ness.

Editors Note

The editor thanks 'Ted' for permission to use his article and F.W.Holiday for his additional notes. Ted Holiday is described as an 'old hand' at Loch Ness, deeply involved since the early days of the L.N.I.P.B.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the ongoing investigation into lake monsters, with a focus on scientific methodology and evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism regarding expeditions, coupled with a critical, evidence-based approach to evaluating the nature of the phenomena, as exemplified by F.W.Holiday's thermodynamic analysis. The newsletter encourages reader contributions and aims to keep subscribers informed about developments in the field.