Florida Institute of Oceanography

Ever wondered what type of instruments are used on research cruises? A group of teachers from The Florida Aquarium embarked on a research cruise aboard FIO's R/V Weatherbird II and got to learn all about these instruments and how to use them. Stay tuned for more on the Teachers at Sea research cruise series!

Last week, the Florida Institute of Oceanography participated in Camp Bullseye! Sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg in partnership with the University of South Florida Office of Youth Experiences and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, local middle school students participated in marine science, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing activities to create an innovative solution to local marine science issues. The campers got a taste of college life by staying on campus and exploring all USFSP has to offer, including touring the FIO research vessels and interacting with our crew. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for this creative group of leaders! City of St. Petersburg USF Youth Experiences USF St. Petersburg

We had an incredible week hosting STEAM summer camps in the Innovation District! We loved showing them what makes our community so innovative. Groups from Infinite Potential Learning Academy and Story 727 toured the district, sparking their curiosity and introducing them to the amazing work being done here. First they explored the Albert Whitted Airport, where a mechanic from St. Pete Air gave them a look into aviation. then they visited the Florida Institute of Oceanography and got a first-hand look at what it's like to live and work on a research vessel. At Maritime and Defense Technology Hub, they learned about pressing local issues like harmful algal blooms and bathymetry, and even got to make their own electrical circuits using everyday household items! The Duke Energy Corporation Camp also took us on an off-site adventure to the power plant on Weedon Island where we hosted an activity as part of the 13th annual American Association of Blacks in Energy (National Office) Youth Energy Academy. It was a privilege to share the spirit of innovation with the next generation of scientists, engineers, and creators. Thank you to all the campers and organizations for a wonderful week!

We’re filled with gratitude as we reflect on the success of Camp Bullseye - an unforgettable experience made possible by the powerful partnership between the City of St. Petersburg and USF Youth Experiences. A heartfelt thank you to Mayor Kenneth Welch, Sheron Brown, PhD, and Richard Prince for your visionary leadership and unwavering support. Because of your dedication to education and opportunity, 50 middle school students from Pinellas County Schools explored the worlds of entrepreneurship, marine science, journalism, and digital communications in ways that sparked imagination and inspired futures. Hosted on the beautiful USF St. Petersburg campus, this program would not have been possible without the leadership and hard work of Caryn Nesmith. This collaborative effort united the talents and resources of the USF Nault Center for Entrepreneurship, Pinellas Access to Higher Education, the Florida Institute of Oceanography, The Clay Co-op, and the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame - all coming together to give these students the experience of a lifetime. We are so thankful for this transformative relationship with the City of St. Pete and look forward to continuing this meaningful work together.

FIO's Summer 2025 Newsletter is LIVE! Check out our Spring highlights including the coral babies at KML, a documentary featuring a buoy operations cruise, event recaps for the MATE ROV Florida Regional Competition and the St. Pete Strong Youth Conference, and more. Sign up for the newsletter at the link in our bio to keep up with event and cruises! https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pconta.cc/4lw2Jif

🌪️As hurricane season approaches, researchers at the Ocean Circulation Lab, USF College of Marine Science, completed a cruise on the West Florida Shelf to deploy buoys that help to maintain real-time ocean monitoring systems. 🌊 As part of the Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System, the buoys and moorings collect ocean and atmospheric data to help assess the risk of rapid hurricane intensification impacting Florida’s coast. 📡This collaborative effort includes staff, engineers, and University of South Florida students working side-by-side to design, test, and deploy this crucial infrastructure. Supported by funding from NOAA Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA) and operational support from the Florida Institute of Oceanography, this work underscores the importance of science to public safety and resilience.

How do we keep an eye on monster storms at sea? It starts with buoys tracking everything from sea level to salinity. In this documentary led by Telemundo49, you get a behind-the-scenes look at a buoy deployment mission that took place aboard FIO's R/V Weatherbird II last year, just weeks before hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted the state of Florida. This cruise was part of the Coastal Ocean Monitoring Prediction System, also known as the COMPS Program, which provides real-time data for emergency management use. The team at Telemundo49 captured the work that goes on while on these missions, day and night, and the collaboration between USF scientists, students, and FIO crew that is so important for getting the job done safely. Learn more about this documentary and watch it here: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pow.ly/GjGH50WlJ9P

We're hiring a Lead Marine Captain! This position is responsible for the ongoing operation, maintenance, and crew supervision of the R/V Western Flyer both at sea and in port. Per US Coast Guard regulations, this position requires a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) of Master of a vessel 498 GRT 856 GT ITC or greater. This position will also be responsible for the implementation and oversight of the vessel’s US Coast Guard-required Vessel Security Plan. This person will report to FIO's Assistant Marine Superintendent. Interested or know someone who might be? Apply now on USF Careers, Indeed or HigherEdJobs by searching "Lead Marine Captain". Job ID: 40967 Applications close on July 15th.

FIO has released its next volume of the Student Opportunities Newsletter, which features 14 new internships across members and partners of FIO, as well as other organizations around Florida. Want to be the first to know about these opportunities? Sign up at the link in our bio!

Scientists from the University of South Florida College of Marine Science completed a trip aboard R/V Weatherbird II for the continuation of the Spawning Habitat and Early-Life Linkages to Fisheries (SHELF) program. During the cruise, the science party collected fish eggs with a Continuous Underway Fish Egg Sampler (CUFES) and ran plankton imaging with the flow through system. This research cruise and study was supported by FLRACEP.