HISTORY OF THE FRESHWATER URCHIN
So far!

The freshwater urchin was discovered by N. Nosilur and P.L. Lenroc one day in June 1986 while diving in the Rogers Rock area of Lake George, N.Y. The two scientists from the Neilcorn Marine Institute studied what looked like a sea urchin until their air ran out. Finally after days of observing the creature in its natural habitat, the two scientists discovered a small group of these creatures. On July 10, 1986, the world's only known freshwater urchin was captured.

The urchin was taken to the Nellcorn Marine Institute where it underwent numerous tests.

These tests determined that the creature was actually an urchin.

In late August 1986, the freshwater urchin was returned to its home in Lake George. Hopefully it would prosper and have babies. The scientific name for the urchin would be MAXIMUS FRESHIA URCHINONIA named after its founder Max Nosilur.

Now a greater mystery was waiting to be solved. How did the urchin get to Lake George? In September a team of divers and scientists returned to Rogers Rock to search for more facts. September gave way to October. Scientists were searching for an underwater tunnel that connects Lake George with the ocean. This was just one of the theories of how the urchin came to Lake George.

If the urchin really traveled from the ocean to its present home, it would have undergone vast adaptations to be able to survive in fresh water. If this were true, scientists asked if other sea creatures could undergo these changes. Could there be freshwater whales or even freshwater sharks? Facts are strongly in favor of this phenomena called Salinatus Removeinate. After all, there are freshwater clams.
Then late in the month of October of the same year tragedy struck. An earthquake in the Rogers' Rock area of Lake George dislodged boulders bigger than a typical Japanese import from the top of Rogers' Rock. Even as the aftershocks continued, divers were in the water looking for the urchin to see if it had been harmed.

It was not to be found. No trace of the five existing urchins was evident. A massive search was conducted. For days, there was nothing, then in early December, two urchins were found. They appeared unharmed and in good health.

It was soon discovered that the urchin was in its breeding season. The Nellcorn Marine Institute's Director, P.L. Lenroc, and N. Nosilur decided to leave the urchin alone. They moved to warmer waters where they studied the desalinization of other sea creatures.

Early in the spring of 1987, dive teams returned to Rogers Rock in Lake George. They checked on the urchin. It was found in good health. Four new urchins were born. The other three urchins that disappeared in the October earthquake returned. Talks between the New York State Divers Association and the Nellcorn Marine Institute have resulted in a display at the NYSDA convention of the freshwater urchin.

Talks are now being held with the new management of Angolob Grotto. Watch for more developments about the urchin. If you see an urchin while diving at Rogers Rock, please just watch and enjoy. Don't harm or try to capture it. Preserve it for future divers. They are protected by law.

M. Nosilur P.L. Lenroc