A massive underwater mountain, known as the Superior Shoal, rises nearly 300 meters from the depths of Lake Superior. Discovered in 1929, this unique formation lies within the world’s largest freshwater conservation area, 70 kilometers from the nearest shoreline, making it a mysterious location in the heart of the lake.
A recent expedition led by a team from Lakehead University aimed to gather valuable data on how the Superior Shoal influences the lake’s ecosystem. This underwater structure is believed to be a crucial element in understanding the biodiversity and fish productivity of Lake Superior, similar to seamounts found in the oceans.
The research team, supported by a Canadian government grant, embarked on a nine-day journey to the shoal from Duluth, Minnesota, aboard the research vessel Blue Heron. Researchers, including Michael Rennie, an associate professor at Lakehead University, conducted various studies to explore the interactions between physical processes like currents, waves, and light penetration with the biological community in the area.
Superior Shoal is home to unique strains of lake trout, such as redfin, leans, and siscowet, which have thrived independently without human intervention. These fish populations have rebounded naturally after the collapse of the fishery in the 1960s and ’70s due to lamprey and overfishing, raising questions about the genetic representation of historical lake trout populations.
Filmmakers from Bruce County, Ontario, documented the expedition, capturing rare footage of the underwater mountain and the diverse fish species inhabiting the area. Using a high-tech underwater robot, equipped with advanced imaging capabilities, they explored the depths of the shoal to provide a closer look at the underwater world of Lake Superior.
The footage obtained during the expedition will be featured in a new series titled “Hidden Below: the Freshwater World,” scheduled to air on TVOntario in the coming years. This series aims to shed light on the significance of underwater formations like the Superior Shoal and advocate for their protection, drawing parallels to the conservation efforts seen in ocean seamounts.
