The Rising Tides Podcast

The Tampa Bay Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (TB-PORTS) celebrates 35 years of keeping Tampa Bay’s waterways safer through real-time and accurate ocean data. In this episode, Associate Professor Mark Luther discusses how this system has shaped navigation and coastal science nationwide, and how it helps monitor hazards like rogue waves. Season 2 Episode 1

The hidden world of marine microbes comes alive with Assistant Professor Margaret Mars Brisbin of the Microbial Interactions in a Changing Ocean Lab. From storm-driven flooding in Tampa Bay to long-term impacts of climate change, learn how shifting ocean conditions are reshaping microscopic communities that underpin marine life. Season 2 Episode 2

With more coastline than any state in the contiguous United States, Florida is uniquely impacted by sea level rise. Professor Gary Mitchum explains how scientists track water levels using tide gauges, why historic instruments matter, and how an effort by the Florida Flood Hub to expand the state's tide gauge network will improve future projections of flooding. Season 2 Episode 3

For more than 35 years, the Oceanography Camp Especially for Girls has inspired middle schoolers to explore marine science. This episode highlights the camp's impact on students and communities and features Education & Outreach Director Teresa Greely and Outreach Coordinator Makenzie Kerr. Find out how the camp’s model can be replicated nationwide to support youth science education. Season 2 Episode 4

Discover the Tampa Bay Surveillance project, a cutting-edge effort to examine contaminants in the Tampa Bay estuary. Featuring Professor Steven Murawski and graduate researcher Alexandra Lee, who discuss their fieldwork (catching fish in the bay) and lab work (sampling tissue in the college’s state-of-the-art facilities). Hear about the project’s regional impacts and how hands-on research prepares students for real-world careers. Season 2 Episode 5 

Eastern oysters are ecosystem engineers that protect shorelines, support wildlife, and filter water in estuaries like Tampa Bay. Doctoral student Olivia Blondheim shares her research on innovative structures called vertical oyster gardens. Find out how citizen science can help communities everywhere tackle complex environmental challenges with a real-world impact. Season 2 Episode 6 

As big as minivans and armed with long umbilical cords, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are cutting-edge pieces of technology that push the boundaries of marine science. Meet Taurus, a new 4,000-meter capable ROV operated by USF and the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO). This deep-diving machine is helping researchers learn more about the deep ocean that very few have seen. Hear more in episode six of The Rising Tides Podcast featuring special guest Nicole Raineault, associate director of research and technology at FIO.

The movement of water impacts just about everything in the ocean. In this episode, we explore the influence of ocean currents on hurricanes and red tide. Find out how the latest circulation models can help us predict and prepare for the impacts of these natural hazards. Listen to the fifth episode of The Rising Tides podcast with special guest Robert Weisberg, Distinguished University Professor and founder of the Ocean Circulation Lab at the USF College of Marine Science.