The 156 mile long Indian River Lagoon (IRL) is America’s most biologically diverse estuary. It is home to over 3,000 different species. The IRL is not a river, but an estuary where freshwater running off the mainland meets ocean water. The IRL is not only biologically significant, but economically significant as well, contributing over $800 million annually to the local economy.

Research including seagrass surveying, water quality monitoring, fish and wildlife surveys and investigations, and more, is regularly conducted to determine the health of the lagoon and any changes taking place. The quality and future of IRL resources is threatened by storm water runoff, excessive human growth, habitat loss (especially wetland loss), pollution, and other human activities. The following agencies all have a role in assessing parameters of the IRL and informing decision makers and the public of ways to protect it.

• Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program
• St. Johns River Water Management District
• Smithsonian Marine Station Indian River Lagoon Species Inventory
• Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
• Canaveral National Seashore
• South Florida Water Management District
• Marine Resources Council
• FL DEP Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas along the Indian River Lagoon

Brevard County NRMO is currently developing a program to be initiated through WAV, that will recruit volunteers to monitor seagrass transects and collect data. Seagrass is an indicator of the health of the IRL, as well as a very important habitat or food source for fish, invertebrates, turtles, manatees, and birds.

Indian River Lagoon North Feasibility Study

The Indian River Lagoon North Feasibility Study was initiated in August of 2002, and is an element of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).  The study is being conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the St. Johns River Water Management District.  The goals of the feasibility study are to improve ecological values as well as economic values and social well being. Currently underway are the identification of problems and opportunities, development of performance measures, and development of evaluation models. The final feasibility report is scheduled to be finished in 2007, and funding will be sought for projects identified in the report in 2008.  

For more information about the Indian River Lagoon North Feasibility Study, or to submit feedback for this study, please visit: