From the Innsmouth Observer, September 28

Innsmouth tourism initiative stirs controversy

An Innsmouth resident has launched a private tourism campaign to attract visitors: 'Interesting. Intense. Innsmouth.'

Said Philomena Jermyn of the newly established Innsmouth Tourism Company, "The town is rich in history, folklore and cryptozoology, and has been written about fondly by many authors. With this campaign we want to address the omission of this important part of America's heritage from guidebooks and travel maps."

"We believe that as travelers arrive in droves," she continued, "guide books will come to appreciate us more and begin to incorporate us as a worthy destination."

Opinions on the campaign are mixed. Said Zadok Marsh of the Innsmouth Conservation Society, "People live long in this town, and memories live with them. The torpedoing of Devils Reef was brought about by the unwelcome attention of outsiders, and we don't want a repeat of that. It has taken years for the reef to begin to recover and its ecosystem is still fragile."

Above: Innsmouth Beach on a sunny day. Local experts fear that the delicate ecology of Devils Reef may be disturbed by tourism.

Philomena Jermyn was optimistic however. "In order to create understanding of Innsmouth and to revive its flagging economy, we will give tourists the opportunity to see the reef and perhaps catch glimpses of its rare and exciting denizens. The dwellers on the reef are something they have dreamed of, and we want to give them the chance to experience the reality now."

Captain Ismael Johansen of the fishing vessel Kraken, and treasurer of the Innsmouth Seafish Association dismissed suggestions that fishing vessels would supplement their income with excursions to Devils Reef. "We skippers work closely with the Marsh Gold Foundry to ensure environmental productivity of the fishing grounds, and we do not need the additional income. We had a very lucrative request from the Derleth Deep Diving Club, but on consultation with the Elders of the Obed Marsh Memorial Swimming Club, we turned them away. The water is to deep, even for the likes of them."

Philomena Jermyn was unperturbed and enumerated plans for beach walks, visits to the old church in the center of town and the Alhazred Memorial Park Bench and open-air ossuary as additional attractions. She went on to say that she hoped to open a tourism information center in the currently derelict Barnabas Marsh mansion. "We believe that the current subsidence of the house can be dealt with by excavating and shoring up the cellars," she said.

Approached for comment, the Elders of the Obed Marsh Memorial Swimming Club issued a statement saying, "It is a deep matter however we expect something to emerge that will resolve the matter speedily."

Philomena Jermyn could not be reached for further comment, and her next of kin did not know where she could be found.