Blue economy making waves in Tampa Bay
January 2025 — Tampa Bay is leading the charge in the blue economy, leveraging its marine science expertise and innovation through a transformative initiative known as The Continuum. This $13.9 million program, funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is poised to accelerate the commercialization of BlueTech solutions, fostering ocean resilience, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Anchored by Tampa Bay Wave, the University of South Florida (USF), and the St. Petersburg Innovation District, The Continuum brings together entrepreneurial support organizations across the U.S., including Braid Theory, Ocean Exchange, and the World Ocean Council. Over the next four years, the initiative aims to support hundreds of startups, providing mentorship, funding, and access to cutting-edge data tools.
The blue economy is a key driver of Tampa Bay’s prosperity. “It supports thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity in the Tampa Bay area alone,” said Dr. Steve Murawski of USF’s College of Marine Science. “This partnership will help further grow this critical industry locally and across the country.” By advancing bluetech innovation, the region is attracting investment and expanding in areas like renewable energy and sustainable shipping.
The initiative also highlights Tampa Bay’s role as a testbed for scalable solutions. Through partnerships with other regional nodes in California, the Great Lakes, and beyond, The Continuum fosters an interconnected framework to address national and regional challenges in the blue economy.
The Tampa Bay region has long grappled with environmental threats, including intensifying hurricanes and rising sea levels. Recent hurricanes Helene and Milton demonstrated the need for robust coastal defenses and innovative solutions. The Continuum seeks to address these vulnerabilities, positioning Tampa Bay as a leader in ocean-based resilience strategies.
“The blue economy in Tampa Bay is so vast. There’s lots of different problems to solve,” said Alison Barlow, executive director of the St. Petersburg Innovation District, as cited by Fox 13 News. “They may be working with commercial shipping, with hospitality, or tracking fish. I mean, there’s lots of things in there. But we’re also looking for those companies that are in other technologies and other fields, say financial services or cybersecurity.”
Tampa Bay’s leadership in bluetech aligns with broader national objectives to enhance climate resilience and sustain the maritime economy. NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad explained that programs like The Continuum “tackle climate resilience needs in oceans, coastal regions, and the Great Lakes.” By addressing challenges such as hazard mitigation, renewable energy development, and carbon sequestration, the initiative supports the U.S. goal of advancing sustainable economic growth while ensuring the health of vital marine ecosystems.
Tampa Bay is already recognized for its robust maritime infrastructure, exemplified by Port Tampa Bay’s growth and adaptability. The port is undertaking several major projects to bolster its capabilities, including a $22 million federal grant-funded expansion of its multi-use “Omniport” terminal and a long-term channel deepening project to accommodate larger ships. The channel deepening, set to lower depths to 47 feet over the next decade, is crucial for handling the growing demands of global maritime commerce.
“Our focus will be on building resiliency,” said Paul Anderson, president & CEO of Port Tampa Bay.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.stpeteinnovationdistrict.com/
