Research Team Explores Superior Shoal’s Role in Lake Superior Ecosystem

In early September, a research team from Lakehead University undertook an expedition to explore the mysterious Superior Shoal, an underwater mountain situated in the heart of Lake Superior. This structure rises nearly 300 metres from the lake’s bottom and lies approximately 70 kilometres from the nearest shoreline. The expedition aimed to gather crucial data on how this unique formation influences the lake’s ecosystem.

Research Expedition Unveils Ecosystem Insights

Supported by a grant from the Canadian government, the team, led by Associate Professor Michael Rennie, traveled from Duluth, Minn. aboard the research vessel Blue Heron. Over nine days, the team conducted extensive research, focusing on the interactions between physical processes, such as currents and light penetration, and the biological community thriving around the shoal.

Rennie emphasized the significance of this underwater mountain, stating, “This is such a unique spot… much like seamounts in the oceans, these are hotspots of biodiversity and fish productivity.” He noted that the shoal could play a vital role in supporting the health of the trout fishery in Lake Superior, highlighting the presence of several unique lake trout strains, including redfin and siscowet.

Historically, these fish populations had faced severe decline due to overfishing and the invasive sea lamprey in the 1960s and 1970s. Remarkably, the stocks residing at Superior Shoal have begun to recover without any human intervention. Rennie posed an important question: “Do these fish genetically best represent the lake trout that used to be in Lake Superior before the collapse?”

Filmmakers Capture Rare Footage of the Expedition

Alongside the researchers, filmmakers Yvonne Drebert and Zach Melnich from Bruce County documented the expedition. Known for their work with Inspired Planet Productions, the duo expressed their excitement about capturing footage of an area that has rarely been explored on camera. Melnich noted, “This area has very rarely been explored on camera,” emphasizing their quest to film the unique aquatic life.

Utilizing a cutting-edge underwater robot, or remotely operated vehicle (ROV), they were able to explore depths of up to 500 metres. The ROV, equipped with a high-definition camera capable of functioning in low light, allowed the team to observe the lake trout in their natural habitat. Melnich described how the fish displayed a curious nature towards the robot, making the footage particularly engaging.

The footage gathered during the expedition will contribute to a new series titled Hidden Below: The Freshwater World, set to air on TVOntario in the coming years. In addition, the filmmakers are producing a documentary that will discuss the ecological importance of underwater mountains like the Superior Shoal and the need for their protection.

Drebert reflected on the vastness of the underwater landscape, stating, “It was really great to be able to visualize what these mountains actually look like.” The expedition not only sheds light on the ecological significance of the Superior Shoal but also highlights the need for further exploration and preservation of these underwater environments.