Nessletter - No 063 - 1984

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE NESS LETTER, number 63, dated April 1984, focuses on the ongoing investigations and theories surrounding lake monsters, particularly the Loch Ness Monster. The primary contributor, referred to as 'Tony', presents a detailed and speculative hypothesis about the nature of the creature.

Tony's 'Elephant Squid' Theory

The central theme of this issue is Tony's theory that the Loch Ness Monster is a large, marine cephalopod that has adapted to freshwater. He tentatively names this creature 'Elephanteuthis'. Tony dismisses his earlier Irish photographs as disappointing and not definitive, but he posits that the creatures are most likely some kind of giant coleoid cephalopod, characterized by a hump-backed form and a long, retractile proboscis. He explains that the humps are inflatable, acting as a buoyancy mechanism, a feature found in various cephalopods. The proboscis, often mistaken for the animal's neck and head, is described as a flexible organ with a toothed mouth used for breaking down food, similar to the feeding mechanisms of many decapods, including the giant squid.

Tony suggests that the 'Elephanteuthis' could use its jet propulsion funnel (hyponome) to move at high speeds in any direction and could change its color dramatically using chromatophores. He also raises the possibility that such creatures could come ashore for short periods, citing accounts of octopuses known to do so. This theory attempts to reconcile various pieces of evidence that have previously seemed contradictory regarding the Loch Ness Monster.

A significant challenge to Tony's hypothesis is the lack of known freshwater cephalopods. However, he counters this by pointing out that many gastropods live in freshwater and that it is plausible for a cephalopod to adapt. He suggests that the chloride cells in its gills could function for either salt secretion or absorption, enabling movement between salt and freshwater environments. Tony believes his photographs of Nessie show the semi-extended proboscis, with a pale rounded object nearby possibly being part of its right eye or a light-sensory palp, akin to those found on Tullimonstrum.

He also references Dr. Richardson's ideas about the 'Tully' Monster, suggesting they were closer to the truth than some of Ted Holiday's interpretations.

Reinterpreting Evidence and Objections

Tony further elaborates on his theory by discussing existing photographic evidence. He suggests that the 1975 pictures, often cited as showing the 'long neck and front portion' of the Loch Ness Monster, actually depict the creature upside down, with its proboscis extended. The 'flippers' in these images are interpreted as eyes or sensory palps. Similarly, the 'flipper pix' from 1972 might show the base of a speculative cephalopod's arm.

He acknowledges that while his 'elephantsquid' theory covers many requirements for a Loch Ness Monster or sea-serpent, it is not without objections. The principal objection remains the lack of known freshwater cephalopods. However, Tony argues that this is not an insurmountable obstacle, and that such adaptation is zoologically plausible. He also notes that many gastropods do live in freshwater, and his theory allows for some gastropod attributes.

Tony also addresses other theories, such as the 'long necked pinniped' theory, finding objections because pinnipeds typically come ashore in groups for breeding and basking, unlike the solitary nature often attributed to lake monsters.

Broader Context and 'Monster Politics'

Tony expresses concern about a perceived 'depression' and loss of enthusiasm among Loch Ness investigators. He notes that much of the 'classic' evidence, like the Gray, Wilson, Stuart, and Macnab photographs, is now considered suspect without clear reasons. He criticizes Ronald Binns for attempting to 'dampen proceedings' and Adrian Shine for appearing to distrust all results. Tony stresses the importance of considering all aspects of the 'beastie', no matter how bizarre, and maintaining interest in the subject.

He advocates for cooperation among investigators and avoiding 'nasty back-biting and 'monster politics'' to prevent delaying genuine discovery. Tony finds the possibility of the creature being attracted by firelight particularly interesting, linking it to the known use of bioluminescence by cephalopods for communication, distress signals, or sex attraction. He also references stories of octopuses crawling through bonfires, suggesting that lake monsters might mistake flickering flames for bioluminescent signals from their own kind.

Lionel Leslie's Reminiscences

Lionel Leslie, an early LINI member who is 84 years old, shares his thoughts and experiences spanning over 60 years of involvement with lake monster investigations. He recounts an early encounter with a 'Water Horse' on Lough Derg in County Donegal, whose description sounded like a smaller version of Nessie. He also mentions a local name for Nessie in Gaelic meaning 'Water Horse'.

Leslie spent several summers with the first LILI expedition on Loch Ness in the early 1960s, meeting numerous witnesses. He recalls a visitor from Canada who described a log that stood up on end and wiggled, a phenomenon he had previously thought impossible.

In 1963, Leslie observed a dark, semi-oval object moving on the surface of Loch Ness near Foyers, which disappeared before he could adjust his camera. Other expedition members also reported similar sightings. In 1965, he interviewed priests from Dublin who reported a sighting in Lough Ree that was similar to Nessie but smaller.

His investigations also took him to Connemara in Ireland, where he was joined by other members of LINI, including the late Ted Holiday. They uncovered extraordinary findings, including an account of a carcass that had 'melted away'. Leslie refers to E.W. Holiday's book, "The Dragon and the Disc", for a full description of their experiences.

He also draws attention to an account in Elizabeth Montgomery Campbell's "The Search for Morag", describing a British ship's Captain's sighting of a long-necked monster in the River Shannon in 1922, which turned back to sea upon reaching Limerick. This account is now archived at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.

In 1981, Leslie contacted Dr. Bob Rines, head of the American Academy of Applied Sciences, who had achieved results at Loch Ness. Rines organized a side-scan sonar survey on Lough Derg (a different lake in Southern Ireland) in 1982, which detected a 'target' at least 5 feet wide.

Leslie concludes by noting that phenomena similar to the Loch Ness Monster have been reported globally, but tangible evidence remains elusive. He highlights the lack of knowledge regarding their feeding, breeding, lifestyle, and ecology, questioning whether they can be classified as animals or are creatures on the fringe of science. He quotes Sir Cyril Hinshelwood on the limitations of human understanding at the edge of biology.

Modern Zoology and Biophysics

Leslie reflects on whether modern zoology is sufficient to explain these phenomena, suggesting it might be like trying to solve relativity with arithmetic. He mentions the emergence of Biophysics, a branch of science based on Modern Physics, which has successfully explained certain medical phenomena and may offer insights into lake monsters.

Plans for 1984 and Other News

The issue also includes information on planned investigations for 1984. Mrs. MacDougall of The Foyers Hotel reports that a data processor from Blackpool, Stephen Whittle, plans to attempt to catch a Loch Ness animal using a large aluminum cage baited with salmon. The cage will be moored offshore and the animal, if caught, will be kept briefly for photographs before release.

Miss Valerie Smith is seeking a companion for a trip to Loch Ness, and Sue and Alastair Boyd plan to be at Strone from July 22nd to August 18th. Ulrich Magin from Germany, a new member, also hopes to revisit the loch.

The newsletter concludes with a call for news and views from readers, providing the contact address for R.R. Hepple.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing mystery of the Loch Ness Monster, the exploration of speculative scientific theories (particularly the cephalopod hypothesis), the re-evaluation of existing evidence, and the challenges faced by investigators in the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging open-mindedness, continued investigation, and cooperation among researchers, while acknowledging the difficulties and 'politics' within the ufology and cryptozoology communities. There is a clear emphasis on scientific inquiry, even when exploring unconventional ideas, and a desire to move beyond anecdotal evidence towards more concrete understanding.