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Mark E. Luther

Associate Professor
Physical Oceanography
Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1982
Office Phone: 727.553.1528
Email: mluther@usf.edu
CV: View PDF
The USF Center for Maritime and Port Studies

 

 

 

Research: Maritime Safety and Security; Real-Time Ocean Observation Systems; Numerical Models of Ocean Circulation; Coastal Water Quality

Specialties: Numerical Modeling of Ocean Dynamics, Coastal and Estuarine Dynamics, Real-Time Oceanographic Observing Systems, Operational Oceanography, Maritime Transportation, Marine Ecosystems, Ocean Environment

Dr. Mark E. Luther is an Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Maritime and Port Studies in the ºÚÁÏÉç College of Marine Science and is the founder and president of . He has worked with the NOAA National Ocean Service and others in real-time ocean observing systems since 1991 and has served as Director of Operations for the since 1995. He presently serves on the Tampa Bay Harbor Safety and Security Committee Vessel Movement Committee, the DHS/US Coast Guard Area Maritime Security Committee for West Florida, and the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Agency on Bay Management. He works closely with the Tampa Port Authority, the Tampa Bay Pilots, US Coast Guard, and other maritime interests on environmental issues affecting and affected by maritime transportation operations and infrastructure. He was a member of the committee that selected and oversaw implementation of the first automated vessel tracking system – a precursor to AIS - for Tampa Bay vessel traffic in 1998. Dr. Luther is Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and chairs the Science Advisory Council for the , a non-profit organization that promotes oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. He is President and is a member of the Board of Directors of the and hosts their headquarters at USF. He is Chairman and CEO of The Pier Aquarium, Inc., . Dr. Luther is an avid boater with both power and sail boats and holds a US Coast Guard Captain’s License. He has been sailing the waters of Tampa Bay and west Florida since 1983