USF Received $8.5 Million Grant for Seafloor Mapping

The University of South Florida will expand its seafloor mapping program in Tampa Bay over the next five years.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Geography

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a geometric sonar array and light pulses, representing marine mapping technology. — The University of South Florida received an $8.5 million NOAA grant to conduct high-resolution seafloor mapping to bolster Tampa Bay's storm surge defenses. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The University of South Florida has secured an $8.5 million grant from NOAA to continue mapping the seafloor in Tampa Bay. The project aims to improve storm surge forecasting and support maritime shipping safety.

Why it matters

Mapping the seafloor is vital for predicting storm surges and ensuring safe passage for commercial shipping. The data is especially critical given that 40 percent of Florida's gasoline supply enters through the Port of Tampa.

Researchers analyze data from airplanes, satellites, and sonar, using AI to process shallow-water information. This effort follows events like Hurricane Helene, which moved one million tons of sand along the coast.

The players

University of South Florida

This is a public research university based in St. Petersburg that operates the Center for Ocean Mapping and Innovative Technologies.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

This is a federal scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce that manages ocean and atmospheric monitoring.

The details

The University of South Florida will utilize its Center for Ocean Mapping and Innovative Technologies to lead the program, integrating students from the College of Engineering and the College of AI and Cybersecurity. The mapping data will be used to better understand coastal changes and infrastructure vulnerabilities in the Tampa Bay area.

The COMIT program launched with an initial $9 million grant in 2020.
Previous program funding for the university expired on September 30, 2026.
NOAA announced the new $8.5 million grant on October 2, 2026.
The expanded mapping initiative will run for the next 5 years.

Deeper Dive

The grant funds the Center for Ocean Mapping and Innovative Technologies, which acts as the primary regional authority for coastal data collection. This funding extension ensures the program continues its work as a key pillar in the region's broader maritime and atmospheric research infrastructure.

Improved mapping data will lead to more accurate storm surge forecasts, which can help residents prepare for severe weather events. Additionally, the program supports the safety of maritime shipping routes essential for the delivery of fuel to the region.

The takeaway

Reliable seafloor mapping is essential for coastal communities to manage the impact of extreme weather and maintain critical supply chains. Students involved in this program gain hands-on experience in high-demand fields like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.