Nessletter - No 083 - 1987

Magazine Overview

This issue of NESSLETTER, number 83, dated August 1987, covers the proceedings of an ISC (presumably International Society of Cryptozoology) meeting held in Edinburgh. The publication focuses on the Loch Ness Monster phenomenon, detailing scientific discussions, research efforts, and personal accounts of sightings.

ISC Meeting

The author recounts attending an ISC meeting on Saturday, July 24th, 1987, which began late in the Royal Museum of Scotland. The meeting was welcomed by Mr. Anderson, Director of the National Museums of Scotland.

History of the Hunt

Richard Fitter, an original board member of the Loch Ness Phenomena Investigation Bureau, presented on the history of the investigation, illustrated with archive and TV film footage by Tim Dinsdale.

The Biology of the Loch Ness Monster

Roy Mackal, Research Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Chicago and an LNPIB board member since 1965, discussed the potential biological identities of the Loch Ness Monster. He considered various species, including plesiosaurs, tortoises, turtles, sharks, ribbon fish, eels, seals, and small whales. Mackal suggested that the only way to achieve a satisfactory answer would be to capture a specimen. He also mentioned a design for a monster trap and the possibility of capturing a similar animal found in Canada, which local Eskimos claim follows salmon up rivers.

Public Perception of the Loch Ness Monster

Henry Bauer, author of 'The Enigma of Loch Ness' and professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, presented on how the press has handled the Loch Ness Monster story over the years. He compared the number of sightings with press coverage, noting that peaks and troughs in media interest affect how stories are reported.

Mathematical Analysis of the Wilson Photograph

Dr. Paul LeBlond, an oceanographer from the University of British Columbia, analyzed the famous Wilson Nessie photograph. Using a mathematical formula, he calculated the size of the waves and, from that, the height of the object in the photograph. Based on wind speed data from Dalwhinne and Aberdeen, he determined the wave length to be 5 meters, estimating the object's head and neck to be 1.2 meters tall. LeBlond noted that an increase to Force 3 wind would yield a 10% increase in wave size. He expressed a desire to further analyze the photograph by digitizing it to count pixels for a more precise answer. The author expresses reservations about the validity of the calculations, questioning the applicability of open sea wave equations to the enclosed environment of Loch Ness.

Personal Experiences and Observations

The author describes their annual holidays in July 1987, which included a visit to Loch Ness. They note that while they did not see Nessie, others had.

Holiday Activities and Sightings

The author spent time at the old pier at Abriachan and visited family in Fort William. They mention seeing a bat while fishing, which was a first for them at the loch. Alastair and Sue Boyd, Ricky Gardiner, and Erik Beckjord were also present in the area, engaging in discussions about Nessie.

Loch Ness Centre and Recent Reports

The author visited the Loch Ness Centre at Drumnadrochit and spoke with Betty Gallagher and Tony Harmsworth. Betty Gallagher reported a sighting by Mrs. Barbara Grant of Drumnadrochit on July 21st, 1987, who saw three humps and splashing while driving along the A82.

Photographs of a Wake

Erik Beckjord's companion took photographs of a wake near Achnahannet. The author examined these prints and concluded they likely depicted the wake of a water bird, not a creature. The photographs were taken with a 35mm still camera, and the author noted that the wake was unusually long and narrow, not dying out for about seventy feet. Erik Beckjord claimed these photographs showed a cat-like head and were significant because they matched a 1983 creature sighting and a 1977 Smith film.

Ongoing Research and Future Plans

Loch Ness Project

The Loch Ness Project is planning another sonar sweep of Loch Ness in October. Last year's attempt was abandoned due to gale force winds. This year, Caley Cruisers will supply twenty craft, and Lowrance will provide sonar equipment. The project aims to count fish, identify numbers, types, and distribution, in addition to searching for the monster. There is also a plan for another sonar search in early September, with the Norwegian firm Simrad Subsea offering its demonstration yacht and equipment, including a broad swathe multi-beam echo sounder.

Academy of Applied Science

Robert Rines, President of the Academy of Applied Science, reviewed the Academy's research contributions. He defended the Academy's actions against criticism and recounted his own sighting of a large creature in Urquhart Bay in 1971. The Academy plans to renew its efforts at the loch, seeking to use classified naval equipment.

Challenges and Criticisms

The author notes that organized work at the loch has decreased in recent seasons. They also mention that Henry Bauer's research is based on existing literature and newspaper coverage, and Paul LeBlond's research utilized old photographic evidence. The author expresses a need for serious researchers to interview eyewitnesses directly to assess the value of reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NESSLETTER consistently reports on sightings, research, and meetings related to the Loch Ness Monster. The author maintains a cautious but engaged stance, presenting information from various sources while offering personal observations and critical evaluations, particularly regarding photographic evidence and eyewitness accounts. There is an emphasis on scientific investigation, including sonar technology and mathematical analysis, alongside a recognition of the enduring public fascination with the mystery of Loch Ness. The publication also highlights the efforts of dedicated individuals and organizations in pursuing the phenomenon.