Nessletter - No 034 - 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: Nessletter
Issue: No. 34
Date: June 1979
Publisher: Ness Information Service

This issue of Nessletter, published in June 1979, focuses on ongoing investigations and related news within the fields of cryptozoology and unexplained phenomena, with a particular emphasis on Loch Ness and Bigfoot.

Dolphins

The lead article discusses the preparations for the arrival of dolphins at Loch Ness. The project is proceeding slowly, with the dolphins intended to be housed in the Dochfour area. However, this location is noted as not ideal due to the distance to the main loch. Significant local criticism and opposition have arisen, potentially forcing the organizers to compromise on the site selection. The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in conjunction with the World Federation for the Protection of Animals, has issued a statement criticizing the use of dolphins in Loch Ness as unnatural and objectionable. They urge the public to protest to Dr. Robert Rines, President of the Academy of Applied Science. The Society highlights concerns about the dolphins' welfare, including acclimatizing to the cold water of Loch Ness, unlike their native warm seas in Florida, and the dangers of the journey. They question whether the animals will suffer and assert that exploiting wild animals for such an enterprise is unjustified. The statement also notes that if the Loch Ness monster exists, its well-being will not be improved by the disturbance caused by the search. Despite these concerns, the Academy of Applied Science's team is expected at the loch, with Peter Byrne and his wife Çelia Killeen among those involved, who also have connections to the Bigfoot investigation.

Bigfoot

The Bigfoot Information Centre and Exhibit, located at the Visitor Centre, Port Marina Park, Hood River, Oregon, is scheduled to close at the end of June. Consequently, the Bigfoot Newsletter will also cease publication. The Centre is offering various items for sale, including a complete set of 57 back issues of Bigfoot News with an index, maps of sightings and footprint findings, and a Bigfoot bibliography for $27.50 postpaid. A paperback book, 'The Search for Bigfoot' by Peter Byrne, detailing the history of Bigfoot, is available for $3.00 postpaid. Other items include plaster casts of a genuine footprint ($3.00 postpaid), a 35mm sound film strip documentary on the Bigfoot phenomenon ($35.00 postpaid), and a brass belt buckle with a Bigfoot impression ($10.00 postpaid). The Bigfoot Picture Collection, a set of 20 35mm coloured transparencies with descriptive literature, is available for $12.50 postpaid. All orders for these items should be addressed to the Order Dept., Bigfoot Centre, P.O. Box 777, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

Loch Morar

The Loch Morar Survey is expanding its scope to become the Loch Ness and Loch Morar Project. A team visited Loch Ness at Easter to scout for a base camp and outstations. Their approach will be cautious and scientific, not a 'Loch Ness Investigation' style expedition, though personnel around the loch will remain observant. They plan to conduct scientific programs similar to those on Loch Morar, where they will support a scientific expedition this year. Future plans include obtaining core samples from the deep bottom and using sonar and underwater cameras. During the Easter visit, the team used a hydrographic sounder to search for a deep 'hole' reported by the Vickers submarine 'Pisces' in 1969. While 'Pisces' reported depths of 820 feet and 975 feet, the current survey could only find depths of up to 220 metres. The project intends to contact Vickers to verify figures and references. The Loch Ness & Loch Morar Project is now open for membership, with aims to identify unknown creatures in Scottish freshwater lochs and advance scientific knowledge of the freshwater environment. Membership fees are £5.00 for adults and £2.00 for juniors. Bulletins and an annual report will be published, and members may apply to join field staff. Applications for a prospectus and membership form should be sent to Miss Andrea Baynton, 11 Clyde Gardens, St. George, Bristol.

Wave Power

The wave power project at Dores on Loch Ness is continuing despite the energy crisis. Dick Raynor, known for his 1967 film evidence, has been working with the wave power team since September, involved in boat work and diving around the rig. A key aspect for monster hunting is the use of closed-circuit television. A 60-foot pylon in 30 feet of water overlooks the equipment in Dores Bay, equipped with a remotely controlled television camera that can tilt, pan, and zoom. A spotlight and a still camera are also on the mast. The system is operated from shore, featuring a monitor and video-recorder with a time-lapse mode capable of recording for 10, 20, 40, or 80 hours. This setup allows the wave power team to monitor their 'nodding ducks' at any time, and could prove invaluable for documenting Nessie sightings, as Dores Bay has a history of such reports.

Jeffrey Watson

Jeffrey Watson visited the author and discussed 'monster' topics for nearly twelve hours. Watson is described as keen and eager to advance work at Loch Ness. He captured still photographs of a wake in 1978 and plans to organize a surface camera watch for the next season. He is seeking self-sufficient individuals to participate in pre-selected areas of the loch. Interested parties can contact J. Watson at 88 Eltham Rd, Lea Green, London, SE12 8UE, or the author.

Tim Dinsdale

Tim Dinsdale's LNA Commentary No.3 (June 1st, 1979) reviews recent events and progress. He notes that new material often reaches the public or news long after its gathering. For example, a super-8 colour film shot by Gwen Smith in August 1977 was not privately viewed until January 1978 and shown on television in February 1979, where it was met with interest but reserve. Controversial colour pictures by 'Doc' Shiels, appearing to show a head and neck, also taken in 1977, are debated as either enormously important or false. Dinsdale is in the former camp and hopes for more pictures, possibly on movie film. He also discusses sonar results from 1978, including findings at Lochend which might be canal work debris, a relocated sunken aircraft dived on by the Royal Navy, and a large turbulent wake detected by Klein sidescan sonar. Looking ahead, Dinsdale introduces the possibility of using two dolphins from Florida for close-up underwater photography of the creatures, pending permissions and logistics. He also mentions the potential for underwater photography of the creatures.

Tail Ends

• Omni Magazine: A recent article titled 'Return of Loch Ness' in Omni (May 1979) is noted as an interesting account of the Academy of Applied Science's 1978 expedition, covering background details and sonar work. Minor inaccuracies are present.
• Holly Arnold: Holly Arnold returned from an expedition to the Chagos Islands, where she participated in marine biology, diving, and guard duty against sharks. She collected Nudibranches for the British Museum, but it is noted that the museum will not accept her work on Loch Ness creatures.
• Visitor Centre: A proposal for a Visitor Centre and Marina at Invermoriston was considered by the Highland Regional Council's Planning Committee. While the overall scheme was turned down, the visitor centre alone may receive favorable consideration if certain conditions are met.
• Petrol: Fears of petrol shortages in the Highlands are refuted by the Highlands and Islands Development Board, which assures an adequate supply and provides a 'petrol line' for tourists to get up-to-date information on availability.

Stop Press

A news report on BBC radio indicated that 'Susie', one of the dolphins being trained in Florida for the Loch Ness project, has died.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing scientific and public interest in the Loch Ness Monster, the challenges and ethical considerations of cryptozoological research, and the welfare of animals involved in such projects. There is also a focus on the practical aspects of research, such as sonar technology, underwater photography, and the logistics of expeditions. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism and a commitment to scientific inquiry, while also acknowledging and giving voice to ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and the potential impact on the environment. The publication serves as a platform for sharing research updates, personal accounts, and news from related organizations.