Nessletter - No 047 - 1981

Magazine Overview

This issue of NESS INFORMATION SERVICE, titled Nessletter No 47, dated August 1981, is published by NESS INFORMATION SERVICE from Huntshieldford, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham, UK. It covers a range of topics related to Loch Ness and its mysteries, with a focus on ongoing investigations, environmental concerns, and personal accounts.

Loch Ness & Morar Project Update

The correspondent details a visit to the Loch Ness & Morar Project's sonar craft. The craft's sonar equipment was out of order, requiring overhaul, and the pontoons were losing air pressure due to rub marks, which were reinforced. Adrian Shine expressed satisfaction with the work done so far, noting that while the sonar equipment is commercially the best available, their particular set was not the best example and had required repairs. The project has received a good response for volunteers. The author addresses a previous comment about 'cost' by explaining that while personal finances are a factor, the Project's charge is reasonable and encourages members to participate.

The project is also engaged in taking bottom cores and laying special Bethnick fish traps. They have collaborated with Herriot Watt University, using underwater television equipment to examine a crashed Wellington bomber. The sonar craft, described as a strange-looking but purpose-designed vessel with a 'hut' or 'shack' at the bow housing the sonar gear, is powered by an old Ford engine. Future plans include fitting larger outboard motors or a 'Z' drive, but these are expensive. The sonar system provides a detailed readout in colour, indicating target strength and allowing for recording with voice-over, time, weather, and position.

Despite early revelations potentially leading to skepticism, the Project is proceeding methodically. They have obtained results from the sonar, tracking solid, large, moving objects, but are withholding conclusions until results are studied, evaluated, and duplicated. The author notes the absence of constant watch on the loch, contrasting it with previous LNI expeditions, but finds the atmosphere of the crew working together familiar and positive.

Academy of Applied Sciences and Other Investigations

Bob Rines of The Academy of Applied Sciences has his raft in Urquhart Bay, repaired and moored off Temple Pier. An improvement is a small wind-powered generator to keep batteries charged, addressing servicing problems with previous battery-powered rigs. The raft's previous connection to shore via a power line was discontinued as creatures might be sensitive to electrical fields. Ivor Newby, assisting the LN&M Project, proposed the windmill idea. The Academy team is also using camera and strobe units developed for dolphins.

Bob Rines' family was returning to the States, but he planned to return in October. Bob had been assisting with the boat 'Hunter' for a young German swimming the width of the loch. The author recalls a similar task in 1971 with an LNI boat.

Bob thought it was worth trying Tychat Point, a location Freddie Cary, who can dowse, indicated as having a family of creatures. Bob had also been retrieving cameras and reported a sonar trace similar to the 1972 'flipper' pictures, but the film requires processing.

Environmental Pollution Report

The sixth annual report of the Highland River Purification Board (covering to December 31st, 1980) highlights concerns about pollution in Loch Ness and associated river systems. Over two million gallons of raw sewage are pumped daily from Inverness into the Moray Firth. Experts warn that within five years, this could have disastrous effects on fish stocks and wildlife. Tests show increasing numbers of algae and worms, and critically low oxygen levels in inter-tidal areas. The algae forms choking weed, increasing water acidity and preventing salmon and sea trout from entering rivers. While the River Ness system is generally stable due to Loch Ness's buffering effect, local pollution around the shore, particularly at Fort Augustus, Foyers, and below Drumnadrochit, is noted. The report states that pleasure craft contribute less to the sewage problem than existing lochside communities, but there is a pressing need for sewage reception stations for all vessels.

'White Mice' Sighting

A newspaper report in mid-August detailed Jim Hogan's sonar boat 'New Atlantis' obtaining video film at a depth of 750 feet. The film shows small white creatures, about two inches long with four 'legs', resembling mice, crawling on the bottom. The film has been sent to the British Museum and has interested experts. Dr Humphrey Greenwood stated the objects are animate and not fish, but could not identify them. Jim Hogan also reported traces of something much bigger. The author speculates that these 'white mice' might be a strange crustaceous creature, like a shrimp or crab, living in darkness, which would explain their white color.

Obituary

Wing Commander Basil Cary died, aged 76, on August 9th, 1981. He was a significant supporter of the LNI investigation and was described as a great character. He is survived by his wife Winifred (Freddie) and daughter Heather.

Tim Dinsdale's Report

Tim Dinsdale completed a sailing ship cruise from Oban to Loch Ness and back. He had one day on Loch Ness, observing from the mast. He also spent time at Loch Morar and hopes to return to Loch Ness later in the season. He heard of a 'wash' sighting by someone on a Caley cruiser but has no further details.

Book Request

Brian Cannell is seeking a hardback copy of 'The Monsters of Loch Ness' by Roy P Mackal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on the ongoing investigation into the Loch Ness Monster, detailing the scientific efforts of projects like the Loch Ness & Morar Project and The Academy of Applied Sciences. There is a strong emphasis on evidence gathering, whether through sonar, underwater photography, or eyewitness accounts. The publication also demonstrates a growing concern for the environmental health of Loch Ness and its surrounding waters, highlighting pollution issues. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism regarding the investigations, advocating for methodical research and discouraging premature conclusions. Personal anecdotes and tributes, such as the obituary for Basil Cary, add a personal touch to the reporting.