We are about to get our clearest look ever at the deepest portion of Lake Superior.
Superior Maximus remains a mystery in and of itself. Located in the central part of the lake, its deepest point is approximately 1,332 feet below the surface. Sunlight does not penetrate to that depth, and the water stays at a constant 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
Recently, it produced another mystery. Siscowit lake trout that live there have been spotted that appear to be emaciated, without the fat and flesh such trout normally carry. They’re being called “zombie fish.” No one knows what’s causing the problem.
On Saturday, Michigan Department of Natural Resources fisheries research biologist Shawn Sitar and the crew of the research vessel Lake Char will join filmmakers Yvonne Drebert and Zach Melnick to explore Superior Maximus using a cutting-edge ROV, a remotely operated underwater vehicle equipped with high-resolution cameras.
Drebert and Melnick produce the award-winning series “All Too Clear.” They’re filming for their upcoming documentary “Hidden Below: The Great Lakes.”
A livestream is planned for Saturday at 1:00, although the date and time could change, depending on the weather. Link here for viewing and details.
Exact timing will be announced shortly before launch, as conditions on Lake Superior can change rapidly.
