Nessletter - No 137 - 2000

Magazine Overview

Title: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE NESSLETTER
Issue: 137
Date: July 2000
Publisher: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
ISSN: 0204-7001
Price: U.K. £2.75, USA $10.00

This issue of the NESSLETTER focuses on recent expeditions and investigations related to Loch Ness, detailing scientific sound recording efforts, alternative theories about the loch's inhabitants, and personal accounts of underwater exploration.

Expeditions

'Nessie 2000' Expedition

The issue begins by detailing an expedition to Loch Ness in early March 2000 by a Swedish-led team called 'Nessie 2000', part of the Global Underwater Search Team (GUST). Led by Jan Sundberg, the team employed advanced hydrophones and computer technology to conduct a five-day sweep of the loch, capable of detecting sounds from depths of 1000ft and five miles. Sundberg, who had previously recorded strange 'animal-like' sounds in a Norwegian lake, expressed hope for unusual findings in Loch Ness. The recorded sounds were to be analyzed by acoustics experts from the Swedish Defence Intelligence Agency.

In mid-May, the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research in Bergen reported that five of the recorded sounds, analyzed by their scientists, fell within the 700Hz frequency range. They noted that only three marine mammals—the Elephant Seal (560Hz), Killer Whale (639Hz), and Walrus (656Hz)—could match the sounds' strength. While these animals are not known to inhabit Loch Ness, seals are occasionally present. Some experts consulted by GUST believed seals could be responsible, though the sounds' strength did not fully match, and no seals were observed during the expedition. Dr. Aud Vold Soldal, a senior scientist at the Institute, stated he did not recognize the sounds but could not rule out living creatures. Erling Kjellsby, a hydrophone expert, noted that one sound recorded off Abriachan shared characteristics with those from Seljordsvatnet, but others were weaker and potentially from different sources, requiring further analysis.

The GUST team planned to return in October for further preparation for a larger expedition in 2001.

Dick Raynor's Catfish Theory

The author expresses a need for caution regarding Jan Sundberg's findings, noting his correspondence with Dick Raynor. Raynor's theory posits the existence of large European Catfish (Wels) in Loch Ness. He has studied the history of these fish in Britain, noting their introduction from Europe into stately home lakes, such as Woburn Abbey in 1880. Raynor suggests that when the aristocracy acquired Highland Estates, they may have stocked local lochs with Wels from their English estates, possibly for sport or as a fashion for natural history. The theory proposes that these catfish escaped from highland locherns into the Loch Ness catchment area. Catfish require warmer water to breed than typically found in Britain but are long-lived (over 100 years) and can grow very large (500lbs+). The author notes that sightings of these fish, with heads visible in shallow water, could have contributed to the legend of 'monsters' in the loch.

Jan Sundberg reportedly dismisses Raynor's catfish theory, but the author notes Sundberg's claim to have recorded sounds matching those made by these creatures. The author also raises concerns about the 'evidence' presented by GUST, citing an incident from October 1999.

The 'Nessie Hunter' and the Grey Seal Incident

In October 1999, Dick Raynor, captain of the 'Nessie Hunter', took a boat out to investigate a reported seal sighting near the river mouth in Urquhart Bay. He managed to film a Grey Seal, which he found difficult to approach closely. Raynor observed that seals in Loch Ness seem to behave differently than in the sea, appearing hurried and not spending much time seeking food, possibly due to difficulties diving and foraging. After an hour of filming, he obtained good video footage of the Grey Seal near Strone. He also spotted two Common Seals on his way back.

Raynor shared the video with Jan Sundberg, who initially claimed it was not a seal but a 'Monster' and intended to have it analyzed by his experts. This led to a back-and-forth exchange, with Sundberg eventually accepting that the video showed two seals, though he maintained he was partially correct. The author emphasizes that Raynor, who had spent an hour observing the seal's behavior, insisted it was a Grey Seal, and advises caution when evaluating 'evidence' from GUST.

Personal Expedition and Underwater Camera Deployment

The author recounts his own efforts at Loch Ness, noting that a year had passed since his last visit. In August 1999, he participated in an expedition with Dick Raynor. They arrived at the Old Pier, Abriachan, and were joined by Neil Borland, the pier owner. Dick Raynor later arrived and prepared equipment for the author's stay. That evening, they went out on the 'Nessie Hunter' to check water depths off Abriachan Pier.

Raynor demonstrated his underwater camera system, a two-foot metal pipe with a match-box sized camera and a light bulb, designed to be lowered to the loch floor. The system included a monitor and a video recorder powered by car batteries. They successfully deployed the camera rig, observing the loch floor, which appeared as mud, silt, stones, and dead leaves. The author describes being spellbound by the view of the undisturbed loch bottom, comparing it to exploring an unknown territory.

On Monday, the author did some watching from the pier. In the afternoon, Val and Jonathan Smith visited. In the evening, Dick Raynor returned with equipment for setting up a camera station: a large reel of rope, three buoys, and two 56lb weights. The plan was to lower the weights to the bottom, attach buoys at a specific position, and then attach the camera rig to the rope at the water's edge. When the rope is released, the buoys would rise, pulling the rig into position. This system, possibly used by the Loch Ness Project, aims to position the camera at a specific depth.

On Tuesday, Dick and his son George attempted to reposition the camera mooring in misty conditions. Despite choppy water, they managed to secure the anchor and buoys at the desired depth. Andy Smith visited briefly. The author also met with Alastair and Sue Boyd later that week.

On Wednesday, the author visited Steve Feltham in Dores. Feltham had recently been in a car crash but was recovering. He showed the author impressive aerial photographs taken from a micro-light, including shots of river and canal mouths at Fort Augustus and the Abbey. Feltham observed that a dark-colored dorsal surface, typical of a wild creature, might be difficult to spot even close to the surface, which the author acknowledged.

Further Camera Work and Observations

Peter, a micro-light pilot, also visited. The author recounts Peter's close call when his aircraft's engine seized up immediately after takeoff, forcing him to make a difficult emergency landing. Steve Feltham had provided Peter with a commercial video camera.

Later, Dick Raynor returned with a camera rig, described as a simple, experimental design with a metal strip frame and mounted camera and lights. The monitoring equipment, including a b/w television, video recorder, and motion sensor, was housed in the author's van. Stuart Leadbetter assisted with the deployment. They managed to get the rig into the water, and upon checking the monitor, found the camera was working, showing the metal frame. By 11 pm, Dick and Stuart left, leaving the author to watch the screen. The next morning, the camera rig was found to be lying on its back, not as deep as desired, but showing small trout passing through the view. This confirmed the viability of Dick's scheme for setting up multiple monitoring rigs.

Raynor envisions sites with caravans to house equipment, allowing interested individuals to monitor the rigs and contribute to knowledge about the loch floor. He suggests that while these rigs might not actively hunt for monsters, they offer a chance to be present and conduct useful research.

Recent Sightings and Future Plans

Steve Feltham reported two possible sightings from late June. He was awaiting copies of photographs taken by a family from Dorset and was in contact with someone who claimed a good sighting but wished to remain anonymous due to fear of media attention. Steve Feltham has purchased a double-decker bus, which he plans to convert into a mobile home to showcase his work.

The author concludes by thanking members for their contributions and encourages them to send in news and views, noting that it may take time for them to be published.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NESSLETTER consistently explores the Loch Ness Monster phenomenon, presenting various theories and investigative efforts. This issue highlights a blend of scientific inquiry (sound analysis, underwater technology) and anecdotal evidence (sightings, historical theories like the catfish). The editorial stance appears to advocate for a cautious, evidence-based approach, urging readers to critically evaluate claims, particularly those from groups like GUST, while also encouraging continued research and the sharing of information among members. The recurring theme is the ongoing mystery of Loch Ness and the diverse methods employed to understand it.