Chad Lembke of USF conducts glider deployments to better understand red tides, forecast hurricanes, and gain understanding of the local fish population. In 2020, the glider team conducted 10 deployments, breaking a USF record with 208 days at sea.

“Gliders give us the eyes and ears we need 24-7 in the ocean, at a fraction of the cost of a research vessel. They can collect valuable data to help understand ocean circulation, red tides, hurricanes, fish populations and habitats –all at the same time,” said Lembke.

• Chad Lembke