ST. PETERSBURG, FL - The USF COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants program has awarded CMPS a grant to explore the role of the maritime industry in the spread of COVID-19. The global shipping industry has been recognized by scientists as a vector for pathogen transmission that should be included in epidemiological models. While the role of air traffic and cruise ships in COVID-19 transmission has been evident as the pandemic unfolded, USF researchers say the potential role of maritime transport is unknown and unstudied. This project will produce one of the first interfaces between maritime traffic data and epidemiological models. The research team includes CMPS Director Professor Mark Luther, CMPS Chief Scientist Dr. Steven Meyers, and Professor Andrew Kramer of the USF Department of Integrative Biology.
News
CMPS Awarded Grant to Investigate the Role of Ships and Seaports in Florida in the Transmission of Coronavirus
In the first part of 2020 nearly 11,500 ships visited one of 15 ports around the state of Florida. Photo credit: Dr. Steve Meyers.
Categories
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.