Nessletter - No 045 - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: Nessletter
Issue: No 45
Date: April 1981
Publisher: Ness Information Service
Focus: Loch Ness & Morar Project

This issue of Nessletter details the upcoming 1981 expedition of the Loch Ness & Morar Project, providing an update on their work, plans, and opportunities for public involvement. The newsletter highlights the project's scientific aims, operational methods, and the challenges they face.

Loch Ness & Morar Project: 1981 Plans and Operations

The field leader of the Loch Ness & Morar Project, Adrian Shine, discussed the project's 1980 work and 1981 plans. Berry Bell, Chairman of the Project, provided further details and a copy of the 1980 report. The project, established in 1974, evolved from earlier surveys of Loch Morar and Loch Ness. Its primary objectives are to identify unknown animals in Scottish lochs and to advance scientific knowledge of the freshwater environment.

Initially focused on Loch Morar due to operational advantages, the project's scope has expanded to include Loch Ness. They collaborate with universities like Edinburgh, Cambridge, and London on limnological research and have received support from commercial companies for equipment such as underwater cameras, TV, and sonar.

The project has shifted from passive surface watches to underwater operations using cameras and TV, complemented by an active sonar-based approach to locate potential creatures. This sonar strategy builds upon earlier work by the Loch Ness Investigation (LNI).

Funding has been a challenge, with subscription income insufficient for significant field work. However, a significant supporter has come forward, enabling the purchase of new sonar equipment. This, combined with their 'Ness Flotilla' of custom-built inflatable vessels, will allow for the implementation of new research methods.

Research Methods and Findings

Bottom-Coring and Environmental Studies

The project has conducted extensive bottom-coring, primarily in Loch Morar, to understand the lochs' connection to the sea after the last ice age, approximately 12,000 years ago. This is crucial for hypotheses explaining how species could have invaded the lochs. Cores from Loch Morar, reaching depths of 300 feet, penetrated glacial clay and contained cysts of marine algae, indicating a past connection to the sea, possibly as recent as 6,000 years ago. Deeper water cores consisted of later lake sediments.

Hydrographic Work and Depth Confirmation

In 1979 and 1980, the project conducted hydrographic work at Loch Ness to confirm depths exceeding 750 feet, as reported by the Vickers 'Pieces' submersible. Despite using a Kelvin Hughes MS44 echo sounder, they were unable to find depths greater than 720 feet.

Light Studies for Photography

During their first large-scale visit to Loch Ness from July 26th to August 20th, 1980, trials were conducted to ascertain the amount of light needed for underwater photography.

Vessel Development: The 'Ness Flotilla'

Recognizing the limitations of commercially available boats for their specific needs, the project has developed its own vessels. These are based on 18-foot long pontoon units, each divided into two compartments for safety and capable of supporting over 1,000lb. These units can be linked to form various configurations, such as two 40-foot and three 18-foot catamarans, forming the 'Ness Flotilla'. Two prototype units have successfully undergone tests.

The 1981 Sonar Monitoring Exercise

This season's main focus is a major sonar monitoring exercise at Loch Ness from May 31st to August 30th. The project has established a base camp at Balaghladaich Farm near Dores. The exercise will utilize a 40-foot inflatable catamaran equipped for a crew of six, powered by engines and sail. Other craft will be used for scientific work and support.

The main work will be carried out by volunteer crews of six, with a cycle of one day on sonar search (including night work), one day on camp duties, and one day free. The project aims to investigate the cause of large sonar contacts previously recorded.

Sonar Strategy and Expectations

While acknowledging that sonar alone may not identify creatures, Adrian Shine noted it is part of an overall plan. The project's sonar strategy is based on previous hunts, which yielded one target contact for about 60 hours of search. With new equipment featuring a narrow scanning beam and a range of nearly a mile, they aim to achieve accurate target information (depth, speed, size, distance) and potentially pinpoint creature movements to aid underwater camera placement.

Volunteer Opportunities and Costs

The project is actively seeking manpower and has advertised for field-workers. The cost for individuals is £32.00 for the first week and £12.00 per week thereafter. Reduced rates are available for groups of six. Interested individuals are asked to write to the Project at 61 Bramfield Road, Clapham, London SW11 6RA, specifying preferred dates.

Academy of Applied Sciences Update

The Academy of Applied Sciences has completed six sets of sonar-triggered miniaturized 35mm elapsed time strobe cameras. They plan to deploy these at Loch Ness in the autumn. Last year, they experienced issues with a raft but used smaller 'Dolphin' units, producing exciting results with triggered underwater shots of sizeable bodies, though image quality was poorer than in 1972.

Professor Edgerton, John Mills, and Ian Marrion of Edinburgh University continued sonar surveying and diver-sonar coordination techniques, searching for underwater crannogs and dredges from the canal-making era.

Member Trips to the Lochside

Several members are planning trips to Loch Ness and Loch Morar, including Ken Ward, Roger Acramen, David Calvert, Jeffery Watson, and Murray Barber. The author also plans to be at the old Abriachan pier with their family.

Subscription Information

Subscriptions to the Newsletter are £2.00 for the UK and $8.00 for the USA. The author provides their address for correspondence and news.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the ongoing, dedicated effort of the Loch Ness & Morar Project to scientifically investigate the mysteries of the lochs. The editorial stance is supportive of the project's active approach, particularly the move towards sonar-based hunting expeditions, and encourages public participation and support. There is an underlying optimism that the project's rigorous methodology will yield valuable results, despite past skepticism and funding challenges.