News

Dean Tom Frazer addressed the crowd during the Oceans of Support fundraiser hosted at the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub.

How the community has rallied around marine scientists in their time of need

As news of the historic fire quickly spread, outpourings of support arrived just as fast from a global network of alumni, colleagues, donors, and more.

June 29, 2026Community Engagement, News

Fire crews worked to control the fire at the Marine Science Laboratory in May. Photo Credit: Cameron Dennis

Inside the first days of USF’s response to the Marine Science Lab fire

After a major fire at the Marine Science Laboratory, USF worked to account for everyone, protect critical research and build a response structure to guide recovery in the months ahead.

June 16, 2026News

A study by College of Marine Science researchers used NASA satellite data to observe oil pollution in the Persian Gulf, pictured here [Photo courtesy of NASA]

Oil spills spiked in the Persian Gulf during the Iran war, according to new study

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz increased the number of stagnant vessels in the region, inducing more oil pollution, the authors said.

June 8, 2026News, Publication Highlights

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Updates regarding the Marine Science Lab building

As we continue to recover from the fire at the Marine Science Lab, please refer to this page for updates and answers to frequently asked questions.

Learn more about the MSL building 

Mission Statement

Our blue planet faces a suite of challenges and opportunities for understanding and innovation. Our mission is to advance understanding of the interconnectivity of ocean systems and human-ocean interactions using a cross-disciplinary approach, to empower the next workforce of the blue economy with a world-class education experience, and to share our passion for a healthy environment and science-informed decision-making with community audiences near and far.