ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (July 12, 2023) – After a 4,000-mile journey, a 117-foot twin-hulled ship granted to the University of South Florida (USF) is docked at its new home port in St. Petersburg, where it will be operated by the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) to offer transformative opportunities for students to explore and advance the field of ocean science.

Called Research Vessel Western Flyer, the ship was granted to USF by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and will be the most technologically advanced vessel in the FIO fleet. FIO is housed at USF and supports all institutions in the State University System.

While FIO’s other research vessels, Weatherbird II and Hogarth, operate primarily within Florida waters, the Western Flyer will embark on expeditions further afield – operating in waters off the southeastern U.S. and stretching into the northern Caribbean Sea. Capable of longer missions and with additional berths, the added capacities will allow more interdisciplinary expeditions including at-sea development opportunities for research, engineering, maritime trades and other STEM careers.

“The addition of this magnificent ship will strengthen the University of South Florida’s position as a global leader in sustainability, environmental and oceanographic sciences,” USF President Rhea Law said. “We are honored to accept this generous gift from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. The Western Flyer will provide new real-world opportunities for students, help us fill the talent pipeline to meet workforce needs and expand our research capabilities.”

The vessel will feature a sophisticated remotely operated vehicle (ROV), designed to reveal the deepest, most mysterious parts of the Gulf of Mexico. Western Flyer is a distinctively wide and stable ship with a moon pool, an opening in the hull that allows scientists to deploy equipment such as the ROV.

The ROV will be used to livestream video, data and shipboard activities using remote science technologies, with the goal of allowing people on land and on board the vessel to cooperatively conduct research in real time.

“Our rapidly changing oceans require diverse perspectives, innovative technologies and approaches, and science-based decision-making,” FIO Director Monty Graham said. “We are excited to create the programming we need so that the Western Flyer, with all of its high-tech functionality, becomes not only a dynamic platform for the research itself but one through which we can advance the ocean science workforce.”

The FIO team is using the Western Flyer to create a new model for ocean science education that leverages the power of sustained mentoring and cohort-based programming, networked workforce development opportunities and remote science technologies. The yearlong program, called Peerside, is launching this summer with a select group of postsecondary students who will explore careers in ocean science, develop beneficial industry connections and conduct ship-to-shore research. Funding for this new at-sea ocean STEM program is supported by the Schmidt Ocean Institute and Schmidt Family Foundation.

“Schmidt Ocean Institute is delighted to be supporting this program that will work towards education and training for a more robust ocean science workforce. Early-career experiences at sea are important for inspiring and encouraging the next generation of scientists, maritime professionals and educators,” Executive Director Jyotika Virmani said.

The Western Flyer will complement the constellation of ocean science powerhouses, community engagement and education programs housed in St. Petersburg. The recently established Maritime and Defense Technology Hub hosted by the St. Petersburg Innovation District, for example, houses the Florida Flood Hub for Research and Innovation. The USF St. Petersburg campus is also developing a Center of Excellence in Environmental and Oceanographic Sciences. USF recently received a $24.3-million appropriation from the state of Florida to fund the first phase of planning and construction of the Environmental and Oceanographic Sciences Research and Teaching Facility, which will house the Center of Excellence. 

“This initiative is well-timed,” said Tom Frazer, dean of the USF College of Marine Science, where FIO is housed on the St. Petersburg campus. “FIO’s new capabilities enhance our ability to develop a Center of Excellence that builds upon our college’s history of success and celebrates a cross-disciplinary approach to addressing the challenges of coastal resiliency and sustainability while advancing economic vitality in St. Petersburg.”

About the University of South Florida

The University of South Florida, a high-impact research university dedicated to student success and committed to community engagement, generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. With campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF serves approximately 50,000 students who represent nearly 150 different countries. For four consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked USF as one of the nation’s top 50 public universities, including USF’s highest ranking ever in 2023 (No. 42). In 2023, USF became the first public university in Florida in nearly 40 years to be invited to join the Association of American Universities, a prestigious group of the leading universities in the United States and Canada. Through hundreds of millions of dollars in research activity each year and as one of top universities in the world for securing new patents, USF is a leader in solving global problems and improving lives. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

About the Florida Institute of Oceanography

Established by the Florida Board of Governors and hosted by the University of South Florida, the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) provides support and shares marine science resources between the state’s universities and private, non-profit marine research entities. FIO operates the R/V Weatherbird II, R/V Hogarth, the R/V Western Flyer and the Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) in Layton, Florida.

Sullivan is the Executive Director of Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (FAU Harbor Branch) and has served as FAU’s representative on the FIO Council for more than 5 years.

“FIO is delighted to welcome Dr. Jim Sullivan as Chair of the FIO Council. Jim brings a breadth of knowledge and wide-ranging experience in Florida ocean science research, academics, and operations and we are excited to see what that means for the council,” said Dr. Monty Graham, Director of FIO.

Prior to serving in his current role at FAU Harbor Branch, Jim had an illustrious career as a researcher and oceanographer in the public and private marine science spheres. He has developed (or co-developed) vital profiling and characterization equipment and is credited in over 50-peer reviewed publications. Sullivan also currently serves on Florida’s Blue-Green Algae Task Force, which supports key funding and restoration initiatives and guides regulatory changes.  

“Florida is at the epicenter of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Given this, FIO is a critical organization and resource for numerous universities and other stakeholders in the state who are involved with oceanographic and coastal research, resilience and educational initiatives. I’m honored to work with FIO to expand its reach and mission,” said Dr. Jim Sullivan, Executive Director of FAU Harbor Branch.

Voted unanimously by the FIO Council’s full member representatives, Jim Sullivan replaces Dr. Jim Fourqurean, who served as chair for three critical years. Fourqurean, a distinguished professor and Associate Director of Florida International University’s (FIU) Institute of Environment, helped navigate the FIO Council through the COVID-19 pandemic and was instrumental in establishing FIO’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan as well as securing the organization’s continued status as an Academic Infrastructure Support Organization.   

Dr. Jim Sullivan assumed the role as FIO Council Chair during FIO’s Fall Council Meeting, hosted by Jacksonville University’s Marine Science Research Institute .

The Florida Institute of Oceanography consists of 32 members including state universities. Established by the Florida Board of Governors and hosted by the University of South Florida, FIO provides support and shares marine science resources between the state’s universities and private, non-profit marine research entities. FIO operates the R/V Weatherbird II, R/V Hogarth and the Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) in Layton, Florida.

About Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute:
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute is a world class research organization with a focus on exploring the marine environments, studying key species and understanding the connection between humans and the ocean. Founded in 1971 as Harbor Branch Oceanographic Foundation, Inc., the Institute expanded its reach to over 100 miles along Florida’s east coast when it joined Florida Atlantic University in 2007. Located in St. Lucie County, the 144-acre campus along the Indian River Lagoon employs over 200 scientists, engineers, educators, staff and students. To this day, the Institute actively pursues solution-oriented research that addresses some of the most critical issues affecting coastal zones, oceans and human well-being. For more information, visit www.fau.edu/hboi.

About Florida Atlantic University:
Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses located along the southeast Florida coast. In recent years, the University has doubled its research expenditures and outpaced its peers in student achievement rates. Through the coexistence of access and excellence, FAU embodies an innovative model where traditional achievement gaps vanish. FAU is designated a Hispanic-serving institution, ranked as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report and a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For more information, visit www.fau.edu.