The Florida Institute of Oceanography in St. Petersburg welcomed a new ship on Wednesday to enhance its marine research capabilities.
The 117-foot vessel — dubbed the Western Flyer — features a remotely operated vehicle designed to reveal the deepest parts of the Gulf of Mexico. It will also operate in waters as far as the northern Caribbean Sea, according to a news release.
The FIO is housed on the University of South Florida's St. Pete campus and is an entity of the State University System of Florida.
“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 in a statement.
The FIO already has two vessels called the Weatherbird II and Hogarth. This new ship will have the capability to live stream video, data and shipboard activities.
A yearlong program called Peerside is launching this summer comprised of postsecondary students who will use the Western Flyer.
“Our rapidly changing oceans require diverse perspectives, innovative technologies and approaches, and science-based decision-making,” FIO Director Monty Graham said in a statement. “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.”
