Legend of Loch Ness Monster Will Be Tested With DNA Samples (apnews.com)

The stories seem as tall as the lake is deep. For hundreds of years, visitors to Scotland's Loch Ness have described seeing a monster that some believe lurks in the depths. But now the legend of "Nessie" may have no place left to hide. From a report: A New Zealand scientist is leading an international team to the lake next month, where they will take samples of the murky waters and conduct DNA tests to determine what species live there. University of Otago professor Neil Gemmell says he's no believer in Nessie, but he wants to take people on an adventure and communicate some science along the way. Besides, he says, his kids think it's one of the coolest things he's ever done. One of the more far-fetched theories is that Nessie is a long-necked plesiosaur that somehow survived the period when dinosaurs became extinct. Another theory is that the monster is actually a sturgeon or giant catfish. Many believe the sightings are hoaxes or can be explained by floating logs or strong winds.

Comments

If nothing else, Biodiversity recordings

[allaunjsilverfox2]

If nothing else comes from it, at least there will be a snapshot of the current level of biodiversity in the lake. Which could be useful for future planning if there is ever a algae bloom or other problem that arises. They could look back at the test and track where the problem first showed up.

Re:If nothing else, Biodiversity recordings

[Registered Coward v2]

The legend is more valuable than the truth; because you can sell the legend. It will be good to have a better understanding of the water's biodiversity, but I doubt it will have much impact on the legend. True believers will fin some conspiracy or mistake facts to argue their point, and the tourism council will continue to promote the monster.