ST. PETERSBURG, FL - Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) climbed aboard the Western Flyer for a tour of the marine research vessel and to learn more about the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) and University of South Florida’s (USF) Peerside initiative. 

The custom-designed Western Flyer was granted to FIO by the Monterrey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) for use as a sailing classroom and platform for FIO’s new Peerside peer mentoring initiative, providing new opportunities for students of all backgrounds who dream of a career in Ocean STEAM. The vessel will specifically be used for a program that focuses on engaging students who typically don’t have access to sea-going platforms.

“Through the Peerside initiative, FIO and USF are opening the hatch to ocean research and discovery for students of all backgrounds while conducting vital research to address critical issues that impact our way of life here in Florida and across the Gulf of Mexico,” said Rep. Castor. “From rising temperatures to red tide to the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the Gulf ecosystem has seen significant changes and challenges over its lifetime. The research conducted aboard the Western Flyer is critical in helping to restore this important supporter of life, jobs and recreation while preparing the next generation of seafaring researchers.”

The Western Flyer has been awarded several grants to increase faculty and student recruitment and expand research initiatives to address current and future challenges. Most recently, the ship was awarded $3,400,000 in Community Project Funding, submitted by U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist in FY23, to increase surveillance of pollution from emerging chemical threats in Tampa Bay. 

Photos from the tour can be found here.