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Througout the month of May, 2006, the Living Oceans Foundation led a collaborative research project in the south-central Red Sea in the vicinity of the Farasan Islands Marine Protected Area.  The multi-national science team members provided ‘live’ daily reports of their scientific observations and operational activities during the expedition.  Please explore the archived science log.  

To deliver both the research and education aims of the project, the Living Oceans Foundation worked in partnership with the Saudi National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD), the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA), Lantra: the UK-based Sector Skills Council for the Environmental and Land-based Sector, the University of Cambridge: Cambridge Coastal Research Unit (CCRU), the Trident Trust, the National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI) and the University of Washington (College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences).

The educational component to this research project had the following objectives:

[a] Support the Living Oceans Foundation ‘Science without Borders’ Education and Outreach theme.

[b] Provide ‘real-life’ scientific information of direct benefit to science curricula.

[c] Raise marine environmental awareness within schools.

[d] Motivate and enthuse young people about the exciting and rewarding careers available through the pursuit of a environmental orientated education.

[e] Promote the formation of international school links.

Note for our audience of UK teachers and pupils: the website offers scientific content, mapped to the Key Stage 4 [14-16 years] Science Curriculum (Double, Triple and Applied Science).  We have worked with Specialist Science Colleges, and have used the 'learning themes' as set by Qualifications and Curriculum Authority for this mapping exercise; as such, content will apply to the specifications of any awarding body. The website also offers an innovative way for schools to deliver some of the 9 key elements of provision for Work Related Learning (WRL); plus, it highlights a novel simulated mechanism to deliver some of the 'applied learning' required of the vocational GCSEs (such as applied science) and for the forthcoming Sector Skills Council led Specialist Diplomas. Of course, such applied learning is also relevant to young people the World over…..

Science Diary In order for the science team to achieve their aims and objectives, they must complete certain tasks. These tasks must be carried out using pre-determined methods, in a methodical manner, so that they support the overall goals of the science plan. Read More ... Vessel Logs This page will give you access to interesting facts about the daily operation of the Golden Shadow. You'll be able to see where the ship travels, at what speeds, and other operational details. These pages will be updated daily throughout the field phase of the expedition between the 3rd - 24th May 2006. Read More ...

Fact of the Day Imagine spotting a whale, or observing dolphins bow-riding the Golden Shadow! What about some of the unexpected sights the SCUBA team might observe when entering the underwater home of all those marine species! Read More ... Q&A Fifteen schools (from Saudi Arabia, the USA & England) have been privileged with direct email access with the Golden Shadow. During the expedition pupils from these 15 schools will challenge the scientists and crew of the Golden Shadow, with daily questions. Read More ...

Note; many of the pictures that will appear in the Daily Updates will be available in high resolution in the 'Gallery' section of this website.  Also, we have provided functional text-tools to the top-right of each page, should you wish to  'email' it, 'print' it or 'pdf' it.

So, why not join the Red Sea Expedition through the eyes of the Captain, Scientific Team and Crew of the ‘Golden Shadow’.

Use the links to start your expedition now! 

Photographs on this web site are courtesy of: The Living Oceans Foundation; NCWCD; PERSGA; John Nortcliffe; Martin Callow; Annelise Hagan; Ben Stobart; Herb Ripley; Roberto Sozzani; and The Aldabra Marine Programme.