Time bandits

A scar in the fossil record

A diamond saw was used to deface the fossil bed at Mistaken Point. What was taken or destroyed? We'll never know. One thing for sure, what was here can't be replaced.

Recently fellow kayaker Neil reported that the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve had been expanded and it is no longer legal to land a boat in the Reserve at Drook or Long Beach. This could be a safety issue for kayakers paddling in the area if they need to get off the water. My first reaction was sort of indignation.

On Saturday I visited Mistaken Point to see the world famous fossils and drove out with Richard Thomas who is the Manager and was our guide for the day. I raised the issue of landing a boat in the Reserve with Richard. The conversation went something like this:

Tony: "But Richard, kayakers aren't the type of people who would vandalize the fossil beds."

Richard: "That may be true but anyone intent on collecting fossils illegally could use a kayak to gain access and who can say whether anyone is a bona fide kayaker or a fossil collector?"

Good point.

After seeing the fossil beds and the damage already done, I thought that the custodians should do everything they can to protect the fossil beds. And, how much of an imposition is the restriction on kayakers? The area along the Reserve is very exposed and 99% of kayakers wouldn't be paddling here anyway. Those that do have to have advanced paddling skills and should be more than capable of an extended stay on the water.

People react adversely when something is taken from them. I think in this case, considering what is at stake and the number of people affected, its a reasonable imposition and I accept that.

Damage to fossil of Charniodiscus fronds

Charniodiscus (right side of picture) was anchored to the sea floor by a holdfast. A tube stood straight up from the holdfast with what looks like fronds flowing out at the top.

Someone was angry with the world and took a hammer to the holdfasts of the frondlike Charniodiscus. Damage like this can't be repaired and what detail may have existed is lost forever. This significant because future researchers will not have these details to study.