Loch Ness Monster may be a giant eel, say scientists

BBC ^ | September 5, 2019 | unattributed

[SunkenCiv]

The creatures behind repeated sightings of the fabled Loch Ness Monster may be giant eels, according to scientists.

Researchers from New Zealand have tried to catalogue all living species in the loch by extracting DNA from water samples.

Following analysis, the scientists have ruled out the presence of large animals said to be behind reports of a monster.

No evidence of a prehistoric marine reptile called a plesiosaur or a large fish such as a sturgeon were found.

Catfish and suggestions that a wandering Greenland shark were behind the sightings were also discounted.

The aim of the research was not to find Nessie, but to improve knowledge of what plants and animals live in Loch Ness.

European eels are among the creatures in the loch, and whose DNA was picked up by the new research.

Juvenile eels, known as elvers, arrive in Scottish rivers and lochs after migrating more than 3,100 miles (5,000 km) from the Sargasso Sea near the Bahamas, where the animals spawn and lay eggs.

[SunkenCiv]

Tony Robinson, formerly the presenter on the long-running Time Team reality show, did a more recent series, and in one episode looked at Loch Ness' geology. The scientist he talked to stated that there's more water in Loch Ness than in all the rivers, streams, and lakes of England and Wales put together.

• Loch Ness Monster DNA Study Makes "Surprising" Discovery [2019]
• IS THIS NESSIE? [2018]
• Scientists plan DNA hunt for Loch Ness monster next month [2018]
• Loch Ness Monster caught on Apple maps? [2014]
• Is the Loch Ness Monster Dead? Nessie has not been seen in over a year and may be gone. [2014]
• Science vs. Legend Roils Loch Ness Tourism Industry [2013]
• The New Nessie? Mystery 'Sea Creature' Spotted Off British Coast [2010]
• Proof That the Loch Ness Monster Exists? [2009]
• Is The Channel Creature The Loch Ness Monster? Video [2009]
• VIDEO: Loch Ness Monster Obsession Lives On [2009]
• Has the Loch Ness Monster emigrated to Borneo? [2009]
• Loch Ness monster sightings down [2007]
• Loch Ness monster aficionados say new video among the finest taken [2007]
• Toad found deep down in Loch Ness [2007]
• Why the Loch Ness Monster is no plesiosaur [2006]
• Dr. Noe: Nessie can't be a plesiosaur!!! [2006]
• [see msg 8] English Couple Spot Loch Ness Phenomenon [2006]
• (Werner) Herzog's epic quest for camera shy Nessie (Loch Ness Monster alert) [2003]

[SunkenCiv]

[SaveFerris]

Had a similar problem with my hovercraft.....

[a fool in paradise]

Or a giant prehistoric worm

http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/3776794/posts
A 550-million-year-old worm was one of the first animals to move and make decisions...
CNN ^ | 09/05/2019 | Scottie Andrew,

[mindburglar]

It’s a space alien like all Scots.

[MayflowerMadam]

I wonder if Nessie ever met up with this:

[Does so]

No picture showed up.

The legend was admitted to years ago. A few Scots were sitting in a bar and made up the story to benefit local tourism—and it worked!

[Spacetrucker]

I take umbrage at your comment!

[Monkey Face]

There’s something fishy about that story, SC...

:o]

‘Face

[EEGator]

Always trust the word of drunken Scots...

[Phil DiBasquette]

[sheana]

I’m glad it worked. A friend and I am looking for Nessie next week! We have the 2 hour boat tour on Loch Ness booked. Never been to Scotland before and I’m so excited!

[gr8eman]

Yes...it’s a photo of an elephant swimming with his trunk sticking up. Probably from somewhere in Africa.

[al_c]

[Disambiguator]

Scotsmen were created by aliens so the aliens could win Wimbledon.

[bgill]

Or it was another tall fish tale.

[wally_bert]

Commisioner McMillan took on the Loch Ness monster too. It was a cheap knock off though.

[Salamander]

Only cost about tree fiddy.

[wally_bert]

With 70s TV budgets, probably about that much.

[Salamander]

Still freaked out by Rock liking men.

*ick*