Nessletter - No 065 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: Nessletter
Issue: No.65
Volume: August 1983
Publisher: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
ISSN: 0264-7001
Price: £2.50 (UK), $9.00 (USA)

This issue of Nessletter, dated August 1983, provides a comprehensive update on investigations into the Loch Ness Monster, alongside other related topics. The publication is from the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE and focuses on scientific inquiry and the challenges of evidence evaluation in the field of cryptozoology.

Holiday Report and NIS Member Updates

The issue begins with a personal account of holidays in the Loch Ness area during 1984, noting the dry spell and a visit to family in Lochinver. The author mentions meeting fewer NIS members than in previous years but highlights interactions with Doug Macfarlane, who is developing his own boat and sonar plans, and Jim Skeldon. The author also visited Alastair and Sue Boyd, who are keen watchers of the phenomenon.

The Loch Ness Project's Operations

Details are provided on the Loch Ness Project's operations, which were based out of Fort Augustus. Their sonar raft was moored in deep water off the Horseshoe Scree, utilizing four anchors in 700 feet of water. This change of search area was motivated by the desire to eliminate variables by keeping the raft stationary, allowing for clearer identification of moving targets. The Project aimed for a 24-hour sonar watch by using exchange crews. The author expresses disappointment at not being able to visit the Project directly.

Loch Ness Centre and Exhibits

The author visited Tony Harmsworth at the Loch Ness Centre and observed new exhibits, including stuffed otters. Harmsworth mentioned an attempt to mount an otter to resemble the 'Surgeon's Photograph', which proved difficult without breaking bones. The Centre offers NIS members a free look around with a current Nessletter. A poster of an aerial photograph of Fort Augustus and Loch Ness is available for purchase.

Academy of Applied Sciences Expedition

An encounter with Bob Rines of the Academy of Applied Sciences is reported. The Academy's 1984 effort was scaled down to a single camera, employing a method similar to that used in Loch Morar. This involved placing the camera in a position to use surface light to silhouette objects passing over it. The camera used is an industrial movie camera capable of exposing one frame at a time, housed in a waterproof casing with a buoyancy collar. It is anchored at a depth of 30 feet off Goat Rock, below Strone Point, and can be raised and lowered from the shore.

Steuart Campbell's Research

The author met Steuart Campbell BA, with whom they had corresponded previously. Campbell has published an article on the 'Surgeon's Photograph', proposing a theory based on geometry that the image depicts an otter's tail. He has been commissioned to write a book for The Aquarian Press's series 'The Evidence for...' on lake creatures. Campbell states he is not a believer in Nessie but aims to be unprejudiced.

'Vodka Trap' Expedition

Details are given of an expedition by Vladivar Vodka to attempt to trap a creature in Loch Ness. Steven Whittle, a civil servant, secured £20,000 in funding for this venture. A trap, constructed from glass-fibre rods and resembling a large climbing frame, was transported by helicopter from Fort Augustus and lowered into the loch off the Horseshoe Scree on August 28th. The trap was intended to remain unbaited for two weeks to allow creatures to become accustomed to it, then baited with salmon and trout for a further four weeks. The trap, measuring 30x50x30 feet, was to be monitored by sonar and cameras from the Loch Ness Project's raft. If a creature entered, the door would be closed, and the trap hauled to the surface for photography, measurements, and tissue sampling before release. The author expresses skepticism about the likelihood of success.

Assessment of the Project's Motives and Attitudes

This section, written by Tony Harmsworth, defends Adrian Shine and the Loch Ness Project against criticism regarding their skepticism. Harmsworth argues that Shine's approach is methodical and scientific, emphasizing that experiments must be repeatable to be considered valid. He critiques the classic Loch Ness photographs for their lack of repeatability and argues that the Project's objective is to discover the truth, not to confirm pre-existing beliefs. Harmsworth points out that the Academy's flipper pictures, while interesting, also lack repeatability and therefore scientific proof.

Harmsworth explains that the Project's sonar results, though sometimes strong, were initially discounted due to a lack of controls and calibrations. He details the Project's work in 1981, 1982, and 1983, highlighting the development of operating procedures and the acquisition of sonar equipment. In 1982, 12 strong sonar targets were recorded, and in 1984, an intensive sonar investigation was underway with sponsorship.

The author asserts that Adrian Shine's skepticism is valuable, as self-assessment is crucial for progress. He notes that the Project is also conducting a limnological study of the loch and investigating various types of sonar echoes to ensure accuracy. Harmsworth concludes that if positive sonar contacts are obtained and stand up to rigorous testing, it will prove that there is a case to answer regarding the monster's existence, moving closer to identification.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of the Loch Ness Monster, the importance of rigorous methodology, and the role of skepticism in research. The publication advocates for a methodical, evidence-based approach, distinguishing it from blind belief. The editorial stance, particularly in Tony Harmsworth's assessment, is one of cautious optimism, emphasizing that while the evidence may not yet be conclusive, the scientific pursuit of the truth is paramount. The issue also touches upon the broader context of unexplained phenomena, including a brief mention of a potential Yeti sighting from a flying saucer, underscoring a fascination with the paranormal alongside scientific inquiry.