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Eckerd College
4200 54th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33711

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Marine Science

Marine Science

R/V Bellows

The R/V BELLOWS is a 71-ft research vessel, built in 1962, owned and operated by the Florida Institute of Oceanography. Powered by two GM6-71 diesel engines for 400 total hp and with a shallow draft of 4 ft it is ideal for estuarine, coastal, Caribbean and BahamasIsland research. The normal operational areas for the BELLOWS are the Gulf of Mexico, SE Atlantic, Bahamas and the northern Caribbean Sea.

Scientific equipment that is available for use on cruises include: CTD, XBT, Niskin bottles, reversing thermometers, bottom grabs, and piston corer. Side boom-Starboard side extending 13 ft for plankton/neuston tows. Work area-185 sq. ft. dry/wet air conditioned 12' x 14' laboratory, refrigerator/freezer space; salt water system; 275 sq. ft. afterdeck area.

Student Research

Given the close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and subtropical climate, the Tampa Bay region has a high concentration of marine research and academic institutions. Because of many local connections in the Tampa Bay area, a large number of opportunities are available to our students through government and private marine agencies and laboratories, public aquaria, marine conservation institutions, environmental consulting firms, and commercial aquaculture firms.

$1 Million Renovation Project

GMSL patio

The National Science Foundation awarded Eckerd College $870,720 to renovate research spaces within the Galbraith Marine Science Laboratory during the summer of 2011. Eckerd contributions to the project bring the total renovation budget to over $1 million. Learn more.