Research and Support Capabilities at FISC St. Petersburg

Vessels

Introduction

USGS scientists from the Florida Integrated Science Center (FISC) conduct scientific investigations of submerged coastal and marine resources. In support of this mission the USGS St. Petersburg office maintains a fleet of research vessels for inland waters, coastal, and open water surveys and investigations. Each vessel has advantages and constraints related to water depth, carrying capacity, speed, operation in open water, and other functions. These research platforms are staffed by technical and scientific professionals with expertise in marine navigation, geology, geophysics, engineering, biology, and oceanography.

Vessels and platforms are available to perform geophysical seismic surveys, sidescan sonar sea-floor imaging, swath bathymetry surveys, and coring operations. Vessels also support scientific investigations in coral reef environments, aquifer discharge, water quality, coastal and benthic habitats, fish and turtle populations, underwater imaging, and marine education.

Weather plays a large role in boat-based operations. Summer is the active field season but that can mean contending with waterspouts and frequent thunderstorms. [larger version]