Scientists lead new hunt for Loch Ness monster by testing DNA samples from lake

New Zealand scientists are set to launch a new hunt for the Loch Ness monster by testing hundreds of DNA samples from the lake.

University of Otago professor Neil Gemmell will lead an international team to the lake in the Scottish Highlands next month, to test the legend of "Nessie".

They will take 300 samples of water from different points around the lake and at different depths and will filter the organic material and extract the DNA to determine was species live there.

The samples will then be sequenced by using technology originally created for the human genome project.

Mr Gemmell said that when creatures leave behind tiny fragments of DNA when they move around in the water, which comes from their skin, feathers, scales and urine.

He said that the DNA results will then be compared against a database of known species and that they should have answers by the end of the year.

He said: "I'm going into this thinking it's unlikely there is a monster, but I want to test that hypothesis.

“What we'll get is a really nice survey of the biodiversity of the Loch Ness."

Mr Gemmell added that the real discoveries may come in determining things like the prevalence of invasive species.

Popular interest and belief in the Loch Ness Monster has varied since it was brought to worldwide attention in 1933.

It is similar to other supposed lake monsters in Scotland and elsewhere, and is often described as being large in size with a long neck and one or more humps protruding from the water.

Mr Gemmell, 51, who first visited Loch Ness in his late 20s, said he first came up with the idea of testing DNA from the lake a few years ago.

Grame Matheson, chief of the Scottish Society of New Zealand, hopes that Mr Gemmell and the team discover something interesting.

He said: "I hope he and his cohorts find something, although I think they'll be battling. Still, it's a good way to get a trip to Scotland."

Mr Gemmell said that even if they don't find any monster DNA, it would not deter some Nessie believers.

He said they've already been offering him theories, like that Nessie might be on vacation after swimming to the sea via hidden underwater caves, or that the creature might be extra-terrestrial and not leave behind any DNA.

"In our lives we want there still to be mysteries, some of which we will ultimately solve," he continued. “That's part of the spirit of discovery. And sometimes, what you find may not be what you were expecting."