Nessletter - No 115 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: NESSLETTER
Issue: 115
Date: February 1993 (with a note indicating Nov '93)
Publisher: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
ISSN: 0264-7001

This issue of NESSLETTER, a publication from the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE, provides a range of articles and reports focusing on wildlife, environmental issues, and local mysteries, particularly those related to Scotland.

Correction Regarding Loch Ness Discovery Fish Count

The issue opens with a correction to a previous report (NIS114) concerning preliminary findings of a Discovery fish count at Loch Ness. The author clarifies that the figures quoted were from earlier work and not directly from a conversation with Adrian, who had signed a disclaimer regarding collaboration on the Project and Urquhart/Discovery. Adrian provided figures of 3.1 kilos per hectare and 17+ metric tonnes, with another calculation of 4.2 kilos per hectare and 24 metric tonnes. These figures did not account for the margins of the loch or the bottom layer of water. The author suggests these tonnage figures could be increased, potentially supporting predators, and mentions that bookmakers had taken wagers on a new animal being discovered, but refused to pay out on new nematode worms, attributing this to human error in specifying size.

Dolphins in the Moray Firth

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth. It is reported that over 180 bottlenose dolphins inhabit the area, with individual identification efforts starting in 1989. This is contrasted with only one other known resident population in UK waters, located in Cardigan Bay, Wales. The article notes the difficulty in assessing dolphin family size, lifespan, birth rates, and life expectancy due to their behaviour. A regular watch for dolphins at Tarbet/Balintore, Cromarty, Fortrose, and South Kessock is mentioned, with an appeal for more watchers to record dolphin presence, numbers, size, behaviour, and travel direction. This information is used nationally by Dr. Peter Evans of Seawatch and locally by Dr. Paul Thompson and Ben Wilson of the Aberdeen University field station at Cromarty. Watchers require no special qualifications beyond enthusiasm and patience.

In 1991, scientists from the Universities of Cambridge and Loughborough developed 'acoustic reflectors' with great success. This pioneering work aims to prevent the needless killing of thousands of dolphins worldwide each year. The reflectors are made from extremely strong monofilament nylon and are designed to prevent dolphins and similar animals with inbuilt sonar from becoming entangled in drift nets. These reflectors are described as acting like 'walls of death' to marine mammals, bouncing back sonar signals to provide an early warning and help prevent entanglement. The research team was seeking financial backing to produce these reflectors.

In July 1993, Scottish Natural Heritage launched a campaign called 'Dolphin Awareness' to protect bottlenose dolphins, porpoises, and whales. A set of guidelines was issued for motorised water sports enthusiasts to help them coexist with dolphins in the Moray Firth. These guidelines, distributed via 10,000 leaflets and 10 fibreglass notice boards, aim to prevent potential problems by advising users to avoid scaring or confusing mammals, not to travel at high speed, avoid heading directly for dolphins or porpoises, and not to swim with, touch, or feed them. Actor John Gordon-Sinclair unveiled the North Kessock notice board. The scale of jet-sking and power boating was noted as modest, but a call for constructive dialogue was made. The chairman of SHH's North West regional board expressed pleasure at the local community's affinity with the dolphins. A member of the Personal Watercraft Association emphasized the need for guidelines, stating that water users should be aware of the animals and the impact of their sport.

It has been noted that some Moray dolphins have a skin disease, and scientists are investigating possible causes. Correspondence in the Inverness Courier concerning pollution in the Moray Firth is mentioned. James Cornwall of Fortrose suggested that while coastal shipping and fishing boats might be partly to blame, he had found patches of light oil mixed with sewage off Chanory Point, likely from short sea outfalls at Fortrose and Rosemarkie. He believes the sewage, macerated but not treated, discharged close to beaches, will increase pollution. The author wonders if there is a connection between sewage pollution and dolphin skin complaints.

Loch Ness Sightings and Activities

The newsletter also revisits Loch Ness. A report from NIS114 about jet skis and water skiing at Fort Augustus is followed by an account of an incident on July 31st where a swan attacked a jet skier to protect its cygnets. The author expresses disbelief at the jet skier's mentality.

Andreas Trottmann and his wife Angela spent three weeks at the Strone chalet, undertaking research trips with their boat 'Witch of the Mist'. They searched areas between Foyers and Lochend, and conducted sonar trips from Urquhart Bay to Loch Dochfour. Despite some good fish contacts, overall results were poor. They also had good sonar contact off Strone. Andreas and Angela also interviewed Mrs. Jessie Chisholm about her experiences.

Visitors to the loch included Brian Herring, who worked with the Loch Ness Project, and Murray Barber with his family, who were members of the old LHI. Rita Lauraine-Gould and Arthur Mills also visited. Richard Carter had a camping-hunting holiday and met Steve Feltham. Roger Markham visited in mid-October, observing different areas and seeing Steve.
The newsletter invites members to join forces for combined 'hunts' and provides a contact number for coordinating visits.

Bygones: Historical Incidents

This section features historical items from the Inverness Courier. One item from 1868 describes a large fish washed ashore on Loch Ness, initially thought to be a monster but later identified as a bottle-nosed whale. This was revealed to be a hoax to surprise the local inhabitants. The article notes that this incident indicates the 'primitive inhabitants' of Abriachan and surrounding districts were susceptible to ridicule, and the newspaper's attitude was contemptuous.

Another historical item references a 'strange visitant' causing a sensation in Deerness, identified as a young bottle-nosed whale swimming like an adult. The article also mentions an attempt to shoot the creature, which disappeared. The author notes the reference to the 'bottle-nosed whale' indicates the dolphin population in the Moray Firth has been around for a long time.

A third historical item from the Courier describes an adder swimming between two islands on Loch Lomond, which two gentlemen amusingly killed with an oar.

Personal News and Subscriptions

The newsletter concludes with sad news: Bob Rines' wife, Carol, died earlier in the year. She was associated with Bob's work at Loch Ness, serving as secretary and record keeper. Sincere condolences are extended to Bob and their son, Justice.

Information is provided for submitting news and views, and subscription details are updated due to increased postal charges. The cost for posting to the USA has almost doubled.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing mystery and investigation surrounding Loch Ness, with a focus on debunking hoaxes and documenting visitor activities. There is a strong emphasis on wildlife conservation, particularly concerning dolphins in the Moray Firth, and the impact of human activities like pollution and water sports. The newsletter also touches upon historical accounts and local folklore, often with a critical eye towards sensationalism and credulity. The editorial stance appears to be one of factual reporting, correction of misinformation, and advocacy for environmental awareness and responsible interaction with wildlife.