An immense underwater mountain, known as the Superior Shoal, has been discovered submerged in Lake Superior, rising almost 300 meters from the lake bed. This unique structure, first mapped in 1929, lies within the largest freshwater conservation area globally and is situated 70 kilometers away from the nearest shoreline, making it a remote and enigmatic location within the lake.
Recently, a research team from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, along with a film crew, embarked on an expedition in early September to explore the Superior Shoal. The primary goal of the expedition was to gather essential data to comprehend the significance of this massive underwater formation on Lake Superior’s ecosystem.
According to Michael Rennie, an associate professor at Lakehead University and a research fellow at the International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes area, the Superior Shoal is a remarkable spot that could offer crucial insights into the ecosystem of Lake Superior. Rennie highlighted that similar to seamounts in the oceans, underwater structures like the Superior Shoal are biodiversity hotspots that enhance fish productivity.
The expedition team, comprising Rennie and six scientists, conducted their research on the Superior Shoal over nine days. Supported by a government grant, the team traveled from Duluth, Minnesota, to the shoal aboard the research vessel Blue Heron, where they lived and worked during the expedition.
The researchers focused on studying how physical forces such as currents, waves, and light penetration interact with the biological community on the Superior Shoal, and how these dynamics support the diverse marine life present there. Rennie emphasized the importance of the shoal in maintaining the health of Lake Superior’s trout fishery, noting the presence of unique strains of lake trout like redfin, leans, and siscowet that have thrived in the area without human intervention.
While the research activities were the primary focus of the expedition, filmmakers from Bruce County in southern Ontario also documented the nine-day journey aboard the Blue Heron. The filmmakers, Yvonne Drebert and Zach Melnick, aimed to capture the rare exploration of the Superior Shoal and its significance in Lake Superior’s ecosystem.
Utilizing a high-tech underwater robot, or a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the filmmakers delved into the depths of the shoal to capture clear footage. The ROV, equipped with advanced features, including a durable acrylic dome and high-quality camera, allowed the filmmakers to observe and record the underwater environment, including interactions with curious lake trout.
The footage obtained during the expedition will be part of a forthcoming series titled “Hidden Below: the Freshwater World,” scheduled to be aired on TVOntario in the coming years. The filmmakers also plan to produce a science documentary highlighting the importance of underwater mountain formations like the Superior Shoal and advocating for their protection, similar to seamounts in the oceans.
Exploring the vastness of the Superior Shoal, the researchers and filmmakers experienced the awe-inspiring underwater landscape, visualizing the hidden mountains beneath the surface of Lake Superior.
