In the heart of Lake Superior lies an underwater mountain known as the Superior Shoal, rising approximately 300 meters from the lakebed. Discovered in 1929, this unique formation, situated within the largest freshwater conservation area globally, remains a distant enigma, located 70 kilometers away from the nearest shore.
A recent expedition led by a team from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, alongside a film crew, set out to explore the Superior Shoal in early September. The primary objective was to gather crucial data on how this massive underwater structure influences the ecosystem of Lake Superior.
Michael Rennie, an associate professor at Lakehead University, highlighted the significance of the shoal in understanding Lake Superior’s ecosystem. He likened it to seamounts in the oceans, emphasizing its role as a biodiversity hotspot and a productive fish habitat.
The expedition, lasting nine days, was supported by a Canadian government grant, with the team traveling aboard the research vessel Blue Heron from Duluth, Minnesota. During their time on the 83-foot trawler, the team conducted various studies focusing on the interaction between physical processes like currents, waves, and light penetration with the biological community on the shoal.
Rennie pointed out the potential impact of the Superior Shoal on the health of Lake Superior’s trout fishery, noting the presence of unique strains of lake trout such as redfin, leans, and siscowet. These indigenous fish populations have thrived independently, contributing to the recovery of the fishery following challenges in the 1960s and ‘70s.
While the research team delved into scientific inquiries, filmmakers from Bruce County, Ontario, captured the expedition’s journey. The documentary filmmakers, part of Inspired Planet Productions, were particularly interested in showcasing the unique underwater environment of the Superior Shoal and its role in the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Utilizing a cutting-edge underwater robot, the filmmakers were able to explore the depths of the shoal with precision and clarity. The remotely operated vehicle (ROV), designed in collaboration with Boxfish Robotics in New Zealand, provided stunning footage of the underwater world and interactions with the lake trout.
The footage captured during the expedition will be featured in an upcoming series titled “Hidden Below: the Freshwater World,” set to air on TVOntario. The filmmakers emphasized the importance of protecting lakemounts, drawing parallels with the conservation efforts dedicated to seamounts in the oceans.
Overall, the exploration of the Superior Shoal offered a glimpse into the vast and awe-inspiring underwater landscapes of Lake Superior, shedding light on the critical role these underwater formations play in the region’s ecosystem.