The video, if released, has the potential of drawing a million or more people to Lake Champlain. This would not fall under the category of protection. Champ Quest failed the day Zebra Mussels were introduced into Lake Champlain. That day marked the beginning of the end for most of the native fishes and reptiles that have lived and thrived in the Champlain Valley the past 12,000 years. Still shots from the video provide the photographic evidence to prove the animals exist.
Physical evidence is required to identify the species.
This cannot be done based on photographs. There must be a breeding population in order for them to exist at all. These reptiles have been seen in sizes ranging from 1 foot to 30 feet and simultaneously in different parts of the lake. There could be as many as 15 living in the lake or as few as 6. To anyone that has seen these animals the proof already exists.