Golden Shadow Research Vessel for Deep Sea Exploration
The M/Y Golden Shadow is the 220-foot research vessel that we used for many the Foundations scientific research missions, including the Global Reef Expedition. Although the Foundation no longer uses the Golden Shadow, for many years this state-of-the-art research vessel carried us across the globe as we surveyed and mapped remote coral reefs and assessed their health and resiliency.
The Golden Eye Seaplane for Remote Sensing
For many of our research missions, we used the Golden Eye, a Cessna Caravan 2008 Amphibious Aircraft, capable of landing on water or land. The aircraft was outfitted with a sophisticated imaging sensor to conduct remote sensing over shallow-water coral reefs and could carry up to 11 passengers and 2 pilots at once.
The Golden Fleet Officers and Crew
All of our research on the Golden Shadow was superbly supported by the officers and crew of the Golden Fleet under the leadership of Captain Mike Hitch. The expert team on board the M/Y Golden Shadow, led by Captain Steve Breen, planned and carried out our ship-based itinerary, steering us through every port and remote reef along the way.