A massive underwater mountain, known as the Superior Shoal, rises nearly 300 meters from the depths of Lake Superior, situated 70 kilometers away from the nearest shoreline. Discovered in 1929, this unique geological formation lies within the world’s largest freshwater conservation area, remaining a mysterious and remote location at the center of Lake Superior.
Recently, a research team from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, along with a film crew, conducted an expedition to explore the Superior Shoal in early September. The primary objective was to gather crucial data on how this underwater structure influences the ecosystem of Lake Superior.
Michael Rennie, an associate professor at Lakehead University and a research fellow at the International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes area, emphasized the significance of the shoal in understanding the lake’s ecosystem. He likened the shoal to seamounts in oceans, highlighting its potential as a hotspot for biodiversity and fish productivity.
Supported by a Canadian government grant, Rennie and his team embarked on a nine-day expedition aboard the research vessel Blue Heron, traveling from Duluth, Minnesota, to the Superior Shoal. The team conducted various studies to comprehend how physical processes such as currents and light penetration interact with the biological community in the area.
The Superior Shoal is believed to play a crucial role in maintaining the health of Lake Superior’s fish ecosystem, particularly supporting unique strains of lake trout like redfin, leans, and siscowet. These fish populations have shown resilience and natural recovery, without human intervention, following the collapse of the fishery in the 1960s and ’70s.
In addition to the scientific research, filmmakers from Bruce County, Ontario, documented the entire expedition. Yvonne Drebert and Zach Melnick, renowned filmmakers behind Inspired Planet Productions, aimed to capture rare footage of the underwater mountain and the diverse fish species inhabiting it, including the redfin trout.
To explore the depths of the shoal with optimal clarity, the filmmakers utilized a sophisticated underwater robot, also known as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), equipped with advanced imaging capabilities. The ROV, developed in collaboration with Boxfish Robotics in New Zealand, can reach depths of 500 meters and interact with marine life, providing valuable insights for ongoing research.
The footage captured during the expedition will be featured in a forthcoming television series titled “Hidden Below: the Freshwater World,” shedding light on the importance of underwater mountain ecosystems like the Superior Shoal. The filmmakers emphasized the need to protect these underwater habitats, drawing parallels to the conservation efforts for seamounts in the oceans.
Overall, the exploration of the Superior Shoal offered a glimpse into the vast underwater world beneath Lake Superior, showcasing the beauty and complexity of this unique marine environment.