This document contains overall and specific condition of the 

Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program from the 

National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report. The 

entire report can be downloaded from 

http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/nepccr/index.html

National Estuary Program Coastal Condition 

Report 

Chapter 4: Southeast National Estuary Program 

Coastal Condition, Indian River Lagoon National 

Estuary Program 

June 2007 
Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

!

!

!

!

Mosquito Lagoon

Banana River

Indian River

Atlantic Ocean

Indian River

C-25

 Canal

Moores

Creek

Jupiter Inlet

Melbourne

Titusville

New Smyrna Beach

Cape Canaveral

Cocoa Beach

Vero Beach

Fort Pierce

NEP Study Area

Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

www.sjrwmd.com/programs/outreach/irlnep

212 National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report

CHAPTER 4 SOUTHEAST NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM COASTAL CONDITION

Background 

Located along Florida’s east coast and stretching

156 miles from Volusia County to Palm Beach County,

FL, the Indian River Lagoon is one of the most diverse

estuaries in North America and one of Florida’s most

popular fishing destinations, with more than 1 million

anglers visiting the Lagoon area each year (U.S. EPA,

2000c). The Lagoon and its surrounding watershed

include a wide variety of habitats that support a diverse

assemblage of plants and animals (SJRWMD, 2004).

These habitats range from xeric scrub through pine

flatwoods, tropical and temperate hardwood hammocks,

salt marshes, mangrove swamps, and other intertidal

communities to seagrass meadows and other SAV

communities (Hill, 2002). 

This region’s broad diversity of habitats support more

than 4,300 different species, including 700 saltwater

and freshwater fish species and 310 bird species

(SJRWMD, 2004). Thirty-six of the species found in

this region are classified as threatened or endangered,

including the Southeastern beach mouse, Atlantic saltmarsh snake, bald eagle, and Florida scrub jay
National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report 213

CHAPTER 4 SOUTHEAST NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM COASTAL CONDITION

Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

(SJRWMD, 2004; U.S. EPA, 2006d). In addition, an

estimated one-third of Florida’s endangered West Indian

manatees live in the Indian River Lagoon. Commercially,

the estuary is one of the most important waterways in

Florida and is a productive nursery ground for an estimated $300 million in annual commercial fishing

revenues, including $100 million from inshore species.

The Indian River Lagoon accounts for 50% of Florida’s

total East Coast fisheries landings (SJRWMD, 1994). In

addition, tourism and recreation contribute $540

million to the local economy, and the influx of tourists

and part-time residents to the area is considerable

(SJRWMD, 2002).

In 1987, the Florida Legislature passed the Surface

Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Act,

which designated the Indian River Lagoon as a priority

waterbody in need of restoration and special protection

(Florida Statutes, Chapter 373.451–373.4595). Created

in 1990, the Indian River Lagoon NEP (IRLNEP)

fosters active participation by other federal agencies,

notably the FWS, NASA, and USACE. It also manages

a local government cost-share program that assists counties and municipalities with planning and implementing

pollution-abatement projects, typically small-scale

efforts with an emphasis on stormwater treatment. For

instance, both the St. John’s River Water Management

District (SJRWMD) and South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) focus on projects designed to

improve water and sediment quality, restore or enhance

the seagrass community in the Lagoon, or rehabilitate

wetlands, recovering many of the natural functions of

these areas. 

Environmental Concerns 

The primary environmental concerns for the Indian

River Lagoon include the loss or alteration of habitat,

the impact of alterations to the area’s hydrology, and the

discharge of pollutant-laden wastewater and stormwater

into the Lagoon. Approximately 75% of the Lagoon’s

salt marshes and mangrove wetlands have been lost or

altered. In addition, the conversion of native uplands

and wetlands to urban and agricultural land uses has

negatively affected the rate, timing, volume, and quality

of water flow to the St. Lucie River and the Indian

River Lagoon, resulting in excessive discharges of fresh

water that have degraded shellfish habitat, closed

shellfish-harvesting areas, reduced water clarity,

promoted algae growth, and contributed to the destruction of seagrass beds and other valuable habitats.

Estuarine hydrology and salinity are also affected by

releases from Lake Okeechobee and other drainage

systems. Metals, pesticides, and herbicides present in

surface runoff and water from the canal system bioaccumulate in the food chain and have been associated with

an increased incidence of fish abnormalities, decreases in

the health of fisheries, and impacts on the resident

bottlenose dolphin population (Sime, 2002; SJRWMD,

2006).

Population Pressures 

The population of the 6 NOAA-designated coastal

counties (Brevard, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee,

St. Lucie, and Volusia) coincident with the IRLNEP

study area increased by more than 327% during a 

40-year period, from 0.3 million people in 1960 to

almost 1.4 million people in 2000 (Figure 4-19) (U.S.

Census Bureau, 1991; 2001). This rate of population

growth for the IRLNEP study area is almost four times

the rate of 71.1% calculated for the Albemarle-Pamlico

Estuarine Complex and more than twice the rate of

131.4% calculated for all NEP-coincident coastal

counties of the Southeast Coast region. In 2000, the

population density of these 6 coastal counties was 308

persons/mi2, almost double the density of 168

persons/mi2 for the collective NEP-coincident coastal

counties of the Southeast Coast region (U.S. Census

Bureau, 2001). Population pressures for the IRLNEP

area are likely higher due to the extensive development

of the area associated with the Kennedy Space Center at

Cape Canaveral and from the residential development

that has occurred in these counties. Despite the area’s

high population growth, a good portion of the land

surrounding the IRLNEP study area is associated with

state and federal lands that have been designated for

protection as national seashore, wildlife areas, or forests.
214 National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report

CHAPTER 4 SOUTHEAST NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM COASTAL CONDITION

Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program Population (in millions)

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

Year

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

Figure 4-19. Population of NOAA-designated coastal counties

of the IRLNEP study area, 1960–2000 (U.S. Census Bureau, 1991;

2001).

NCA Indices of Estuarine

Condition—Indian River Lagoon 

The overall condition of the Indian River Lagoon is

rated good based on three of four indices of estuarine

condition used by the NCA (Figure 4-20). The water

quality, sediment quality, and benthic indices were each

rated good for the Indian River Lagoon, and data were

unavailable to calculate a fish tissue contaminants index

for this estuary. Figure 4-21 provides a summary of the

percentage of estuarine area rated good, fair, poor, or

missing for each parameter considered. This assessment

is based on data from 45 NCA sites sampled by EMAP

in the IRLNEP estuarine area in 2001 and 2002. Due

to the rotating basin schedule in Florida, the NCA only

sampled the northern portion of the Lagoon (approximately 230 mi2) in 2001 and 2002; the remainder of

the estuarine area was sampled in 2003, but these data

are not yet available. Please refer to Tables 1-24, 1-25,

and 1-26 (Chapter 1) for a summary of the criteria used

to develop the rating for each index and component

indicator. 

Water Quality Index (5)

Sediment Quality Index (5)

Benthic Index (5)

Fish Tissue Contaminants

Index (missing)

Good Fair Poor

Overall Condition

Indian River Lagoon

(5.0)

Figure 4-20. The

overall condition of

the IRLNEP estuarine

area is good (U.S.

EPA/NCA).

Water Quality Index

Nitrogen (DIN)

Phosphorus (DIP)

Chlorophyll a

Water Clarity

Dissolved Oxygen

Sediment Quality Index

Sediment Toxicity

Sediment Contaminants

Total Organic Carbon (TOC)

Benthic Index

Fish Tissue

Contaminants Index

0 20 40 60 80 100

Percent NEP Estuarine Area

Good Fair Poor Missing

Figure 4-21. Percentage of NEP estuarine area achieving each

rating for all indices and component indicators — Indian River

Lagoon (U.S. EPA/NCA).
National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report 215

CHAPTER 4 SOUTHEAST NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM COASTAL CONDITION

Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

Water Quality Index

The water quality index for the northern portion of

the Indian River Lagoon is rated good (Figure 4-22).

This index was developed using NCA data on five

component indicators: DIN, DIP, chlorophyll a, water

clarity, and dissolved oxygen. Only 3% of the Lagoon’s

estuarine area was rated poor for water quality, and 36%

of the area was rated fair. 

Figure 4-22. Water quality index data for the Indian River

Lagoon, 2001–2002 (U.S. EPA/NCA).

Water Quality Index - Indian River Lagoon

Poor

3%

Fair

35%

Good

62%

Site Criteria: Number of component

indicators in poor or fair condition

Good = No more than 1 is fair

Fair = 1 is poor, or 2 or 

more are fair

Poor = 2 or more are poor

Missing Good Fair Poor

Dissolved Nitrogen and Phosphorus The

Indian River Lagoon is rated good for nutrient concentrations, with 100% and 93% of the estuarine area

rated good for DIN and DIP concentrations, respectively. Only 7% of the Lagoon’s estuarine area was rated

fair for DIP concentrations.

Chlorophyll a Concentrations of chlorophyll a

in the northern portion of the Indian River Lagoon 

are problematic, and the Lagoon is rated fair for this

component indicator. Overall, the Lagoon received a

fair rating because 11% of the estuarine area was rated

poor for chlorophyll a concentrations, and the

combined value for fair and poor ratings was 93%.

Only 7% of the IRLNEP estuarine area was rated good

for chlorophyll a concentrations.

Water Clarity Despite the fair rating for chlorophyll a concentrations, the Indian River Lagoon is rated

good for water clarity. Water clarity was rated poor at a

sampling site if light penetration at 1 meter was less

than 20% of surface illumination. None of the estuarine

area of the Indian River Lagoon was rated poor for

water clarity, 4% of the area was rated fair, and 91% of

the area was rated good.

Dissolved Oxygen The Indian River Lagoon is

rated fair for dissolved oxygen concentrations. Although

68% of the estuarine area was rated good for this

component indicator, 5% of the area was rated poor,

and 27% of the area was rated fair.
216 National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report

CHAPTER 4 SOUTHEAST NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM COASTAL CONDITION

Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

Sediment Quality Index

The sediment quality index for the Indian River

Lagoon is rated good; however, this rating is based only

on NCA data for one component indicator (sediment

TOC). Data on sediment toxicity and sediment contaminant concentrations were not assessed in the

2001–2002 NCA surveys. All of the IRLNEP estuarine

area (100%) was rated good for the sediment quality

index (Figure 4-23). 

Figure 4-23. Sediment quality index data for the Indian River

Lagoon, 2001–2002 (U.S. EPA/NCA).

Sediment Quality Index - Indian River Lagoon

Good

100%

Site Criteria: Number and condition of

component indicators

Good = None are poor, and sediment

contaminants is good

Fair = None are poor, and sediment 

contaminants is fair

Poor = 1 or more are poor

Missing Good Fair Poor

collect sediment toxicity data for the Indian River

Lagoon in 2000 and 2001; therefore, sediment toxicity

in the Lagoon has not been rated for this report.

Sediment Toxicity The NCA surveys did not

Sediment Contaminants The NCA surveys did

not collect sediment contaminants data for the Indian

River Lagoon in 2000 and 2001; therefore, sediment

contaminant concentrations in the Lagoon have not

been rated for this report.

Total Organic Carbon The Indian River

Lagoon is rated good for TOC concentrations, with

only 12% of the estuarine area rated fair and the

remaining 88% rated good for this component indicator. 

Benthic Index

Based on the Southeast Coast Benthic Index, the

benthic condition of the Indian River Lagoon is rated

good. The benthic index shows that 6% of the estuarine

area was rated poor, 20% of the area was rated fair, and

74% of the area was rated good (Figure 4-24).

Although only 6% of the estuarine area exhibited

degraded benthic condition, 33% of the sampling sites

representing this degraded area were associated with

some measure of adverse water quality (Figure 4-25).

There were no areas of degraded benthic condition associated with poor TOC concentrations; however, no

sediments were analyzed for sediment toxicity or sediment contaminant concentrations, so the co-occurrence

of degraded benthic condition with either of these

component indicators could not be evaluated. 

The roseate spoonbill feeds on shrimp, small fish, and aquatic

insects (Ryan Hagerty, FWS).
National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report 217

CHAPTER 4 SOUTHEAST NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM COASTAL CONDITION

Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

Figure 4-24. Benthic index data for the Indian River Lagoon,

2001–2002 (U.S. EPA/NCA).

Benthic Index - Indian River Lagoon

Poor

6%

Fair

20%

Good

74%

Site Criteria: Southeast Coast 

Benthic Index Score

Good = > 2.5

Fair = 2.0 – 2.5

Poor = < 2.0

Missing Good Fair Poor

Figure 4-25. Percent of sampling sites in the Indian River

Lagoon where poor benthic condition overlaps with other indices

rated poor (U.S. EPA/NCA).

Water Quality

Only

33%

None

67%

Fish Tissue Contaminants Index

The NCA survey did not assess the level of fish tissue

contaminants in the northern portion of the IRLNEP

study area during 2001 or 2002; therefore, a fish tissue

contaminants index for the Indian River Lagoon was

not developed for this report.

Hands-on educational activities help children learn about the Indian River Lagoon estuary

(Ed Garland).
HIGHLIGHT

218 National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report

CHAPTER 4 SOUTHEAST NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM COASTAL CONDITION

Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

Seagrass Monitoring in

the Indian River Lagoon 

The primary habitat of concern within the Indian

River Lagoon is the Lagoon’s seagrass community.

Seagrass beds are valuable because they provide habitat

and nursery areas for estuarine animals, enhance water

quality by removing nutrients and stabilizing sediments,

and serve as one of the planet’s most productive ecosystems (Dawes, 1981; Zieman, 1982; Lewis, 1984;

Virnstein et al., 1987). The seagrass community is sensitive to water quality conditions, particularly those parameters that affect water clarity, such as turbidity,

suspended matter, color, and chlorophyll a concentrations (a surrogate for phytoplankton). As a result, the

seagrass community in the Indian River Lagoon is an

effective indicator of water quality (IRLNEP, 1996;

Steward et al., 2003). 

The IRLNEP, through the program’s sponsor, the 

SJRWMD, has developed a monitoring program to

assess the state of the Lagoon’s seagrass community. This

monitoring program has two major components:

Lagoon-wide mapping and a series of fixed transects at

selected sites throughout the Lagoon. 

Lagoon-wide seagrass mapping provides an overall

picture of seagrass resources throughout the Indian

River Lagoon. Lagoon-wide maps are produced every

two to three years, with the production process

involving several steps, including aerial photography,

ground-truthing, photo-interpretation and delineation

of polygons containing seagrass beds, registration of

these polygons to a base map, digitization of these

polygons into GIS, and production of seagrass maps

(Dobson et al., 1995). Appropriate management

measures are developed and implemented to address

problems or to provide protection for specific areas, and

both problem and healthy areas are designated based

primarily on the abundance of seagrass. Comparisons of

these maps with historic maps can be used to detect

changes in seagrass coverage, set targets for seagrass

restoration, and document seagrass recovery (Virnstein

and Morris, 1996).

Although these seagrass maps are produced every 

two to three years, aerial photos are taken each year to

document any changes that occur during the period

between map development. Photos are taken at USGS

Quadrangle map scale (1:24K; 1 inch = 2,000 feet),

generally during the spring, when water clarity conditions are best for photography (Virnstein and Morris,

1996). These maps have several limitations, including

(1) the interval between mapping events; (2) that

smaller seagrass beds (< 1/4 acre) are not mapped; 

(3) that certain seagrass species (such as Halophila) or

areas of sparse seagrass are often not visible in aerial

photographs and are not usually mapped; and (4) that

locating the edge of a bed may have errors up to

100 feet (Virnstein and Morris, 1996).

Fixed-seagrass transects are used to determine

whether local areas are healthy or stressed; whether

conditions are stable, improving, or declining; and the

amount of change in the health or extent of seagrass

beds. Sampling fixed transects allows researchers the

ability to reliably detect small-scale changes in depth

distribution, abundance, and species composition over

time (Morris et al., 2001). 

Presently, more than 80 seagrass transects have been

established in the Indian River Lagoon. These transects

are monitored twice each year—in the summer and

winter—on dates that roughly correspond to times of

maximum and minimum seagrass abundance. Measurements are made every 33 feet along each transect and

include data on the depth, percent cover of seagrass,

and canopy height of each seagrass species present.

Shoot counts are made at the center and deep edges of

seagrass beds. In addition, researchers estimate percent

cover and biomass of drift algae present, measure light

attenuation at the deep edge of the seagrass bed, and
National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report 219

CHAPTER 4 SOUTHEAST NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM COASTAL CONDITION

Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

take an underwater video as an archival record of conditions at the time of sampling (Morris et al., 2001) 

Data collected through transect monitoring can be

analyzed at several geographic and temporal scales.

Three geographic scales (e.g., Lagoon-wide, by segment,

and site-specific) and two temporal scales (e.g., annual

and seasonal) can be used to present and analyze the

data (Morris et al., 2001).

The use of large-scale mapping coupled with fixed

transects is an effective method of evaluating the health

of the seagrass community in the Indian River Lagoon.

Lagoon-wide maps provide information about patterns

and trends from a “big picture” perspective, whereas

individual transects provide similar information on a

localized basis. This information is valuable when developing or evaluating the effectiveness of management

strategies.

Seagrass monitoring in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida (SJRWMD).
220 National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report

CHAPTER 4 SOUTHEAST NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM COASTAL CONDITION

Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

Indian River Lagoon National

Estuary Program Indicators of

Estuarine Condition

Water and Sediment Quality

Indicators of water quality for the IRLNEP include

the following:

• Chlorophyll a levels (μg/L)

• Reduction of muck accumulation 

(extent and volume removed).

In recent years, algal blooms in the Indian River

Lagoon have been a concern. Several of these blooms

have included HAB species, which are considered

potentially harmful to human health or natural

resources. In order to track the occurrence of HABs,

chlorophyll a levels are monitored by the IRLNEP as

one of the key indicators of water quality. Increased

nutrient concentrations are reflected in elevated chlorophyll a concentrations found in the southern Banana

River and the Cocoa-Melbourne/Palm Bay area, where

the 10-year chlorophyll a average concentration is

greater than 8 μg/L. Although nutrient concentrations

are also elevated, chlorophyll a levels are lower in the

Vero Beach area, most likely due to increased flushing

through nearby ocean inlets. A similar reduced algal

response to elevated nutrient concentrations is seen in

the Fort Pierce and St. Lucie River areas, where shorter

residence times and increased flushing may also play a

role (Steward et al., 2003). Overall, it appears that the

fair rating assigned by the analysis of NCA data for the

northern portion of the Indian River Lagoon agrees

with the IRLNEP monitoring data for chlorophyll a.

Both sets of data suggest that chlorophyll a levels are

somewhat elevated and in need of mitigation measures,

but that there are still many areas of the Lagoon system

where levels remain low.

The amount of muck (e.g., mineral soils, clays, and

silts mixed with organic matter) removed from the

Indian River Lagoon is an important metric that is

primarily monitored near the mouth of the Lagoon’s

tributaries. Re-suspension of estuary muck during wind

events decreases water clarity, which has a negative effect

on the health and extent of seagrass and other SAV.

Based on NEP monitoring data, turbidity levels have

not shown a declining trend over time in the Indian

River Lagoon; however, the analysis of NCA data for

the northern portion of the Lagoon shows that water

clarity throughout the Lagoon is generally good. Water

clarity varies considerably throughout the Lagoon’s

reaches, and suspended solids likely have the most

significant influence on turbidity levels in central

portions of the Lagoon (Steward et al., 2003).

Habitat Quality

Seagrass coverage is the primary biological indicator

of ecosystem health used by the IRLNEP. According to

IRLNEP data, the Lagoon experienced a net gain in

seagrass coverage of nearly 4,000 acres from 1992 to

1999. The long drought in the late 1990s may have

been largely responsible for this positive trend, but the

cumulative effects of restoration work should help to

maintain this growth. SAV beds in Indian River Lagoon

include Halodule, Ruppia, Syringodium, Thalassia, and

three Halophila species (Steward et al., 2003). One

species, Johnson’s seagrass (Halophila johnsonii), is a

federally listed species found only in the coastal lagoons

of eastern Florida between Sebastian Inlet and Biscayne

Bay (Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce, 2006).

Assessment of seagrass resources in the Indian River

Lagoon is based on the number of acres of seagrass

coverage over time (net gain or loss), the maximum

depth of the edge of seagrass beds, and the percent of

sunlight reaching the target depth of about 5.6 feet.

Segments of the Indian River Lagoon containing the

largest acreage of seagrass coverage are found around

North Merritt Island, within and adjacent to the federally protected NASA/Kennedy Space Center/Merritt

Island National Wildlife Refuge complex (north Indian

River Lagoon and northern Banana River), and at the

Canaveral National Seashore (southern Mosquito

Lagoon). These segments have shown little change in

seagrass coverage since the 1940s (Steward et al., 2003).

In Hobe Sound, located at the very southern end of the

Indian River Lagoon, seagrass coverage exceeds 90%

coverage of potential habitat (SJRWMD, 2004). The
National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report 221

CHAPTER 4 SOUTHEAST NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM COASTAL CONDITION

Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

largest area of poor seagrass coverage extends from the

Cocoa area to the Melbourne/Palm Bay area. This area

has experienced the greatest loss (70%) of seagrass

coverage since the early 1940s. Across the entire

Lagoon, potential seagrass coverage is approximately

118,000 acres. In 1999, seagrass coverage was approximately 59% of the Lagoon’s total potential seagrass

acreage (Steward et al., 2003). 

Living Resources

Although stormwater management and enhancing

seagrass production remain the highest priorities, the

IRLNEP has identified invasive, exotic species and

aquatic animal health as emerging challenges to the

Lagoon’s ecosystem. During the past several years, there

has been increasing concern over the number of

wildlife-related disease and mortality events in the

Lagoon, possibly a symptom of a wider-scale problem

regarding the overall health of the estuarine system.

Despite considerable progress and success in rehabilitating impounded wetlands as habitat and improving

water quality conditions in the Lagoon during the past

two decades, a number of fairly recent, possibly interconnected wildlife-related mysteries remain unsolved.

They include the skin disease Lobomycosis, which is

occurring on much of the Lagoon’s resident dolphin

population; fibropapillomas lesions on many of the

green turtles found in the Lagoon; an increased incidence of tumors in hard clams; decreases in the population of horseshoe crabs; the recent appearance of saxitoxin in puffer fish in the northern Lagoon, resulting in

a ban on catching puffers throughout the Lagoon and

health advisories regarding human consumption of

these fish; the sporadic occurrence of “spicy” tasting

clams; and the appearance of invasive species, such as

the Australian spotted jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata) in

the central Lagoon and the exotic macroalgae Caulerpa

brachypus in the southern portion of the estuary

(SJRWMD, 2004).

To address these problems, the IRLNEP is taking the

lead in forming an Indian River Lagoon Task Force.

The goal of this task force will be to integrate monitoring and research results to determine if a commonality of cause exists and to prevent or reduce future

occurrences. Key stakeholders in supporting CCMP

implementation have continued to respond to the

IRLNEP’s priority challenges of reducing stormwater

discharges to the Lagoon and enhancing valuable

wildlife habitat through invasive plant control, endangered lands acquisition, and reconnection of

impounded wetlands to the estuary (SJRWMD, 2004).

The Indian River Lagoon has a resident dolphin population (Commander Grady Tuell, NOAA Corps).
222 National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report

CHAPTER 4 SOUTHEAST NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM COASTAL CONDITION

Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

Current Projects,

Accomplishments, and Future

Goals 

The greatest tangible improvement to date in the

Indian River Lagoon is the hydrologic reconnection of

more than 23,000 acres of impounded wetlands since

1989 under the SWIM Act (in addition to nearly

5,000 acres reconnected through other programs).

These impoundment reconnections restore many

natural functions provided by salt marshes and

mangrove wetlands (Steward et al., 2003). 

There is also a noticeable increase in public awareness of the Lagoon’s problems and its ecology, as well as

an understanding of the projects that are underway to

benefit the Lagoon’s recovery and management. Much

has been accomplished, but the IRLNEP recognizes

that more work remains to be done to reach restoration

targets established for seagrass and coastal wetlands.

Preventative safeguards, vigilance, and education are

needed to ensure that achievements in addressing problems in the Indian River Lagoon are maintained and

that progress continues in protecting and restoring the

water quality and natural resources of the Lagoon

(Steward et al., 2003).

There is also good progress taking place within the

Indian River Lagoon watershed. More than 56,000

acres of wetlands and uplands have been acquired for

various purposes (such as water quality remediation

projects and habitat preservation). The various agencies

and local governments with jurisdiction over the Indian

River Lagoon basin have made good progress in ending

discharges of treated wastewater, removing harmful

muck deposits, and making incremental improvements

in stormwater management throughout the basin. In

recent years, the IRLNEP has tackled some of the most

important and controversial issues to address pollution

in the Indian River Lagoon basin, such as addressing

the impact of septic tanks on water quality, promoting

the acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands,

promoting the development of regional stormwater

management plans, and participating in the development of local management plans for threatened and

endangered species. 

Some of the ongoing goals of the IRLNEP include:

• Attaining and maintaining water and sediment 

of sufficient quality to support a healthy, macrophyte-based estuarine Lagoon ecosystem

• Attaining and maintaining a functioning macrophyte-based ecosystem that supports endangered

and threatened species, fisheries, and wildlife

• Improving the understanding and management 

of impacts of invasive and exotic species and the

emerging challenges to aquatic animal health

• Achieving heightened public awareness and coordinated interagency management of the Indian

River Lagoon ecosystem (Steward et al., 2003).

Conclusion

Based on data collected by the NCA, the overall

condition of the Indian River Lagoon is rated good. In

general, the IRLNEP considers seagrass coverage in the

Indian River Lagoon to be a key indicator of trends in

environmental condition. Areas with good seagrass

coverage are located adjacent to fairly undeveloped

watersheds or close to inlets, whereas areas of extensive

SAV loss and sparse seagrass are adjacent to highly

developed watersheds or shoreline areas. The areas with

poorest water quality are Cocoa to Melbourne/Palm

Bay, the southern Banana River, and the Vero Beach,

Fort Pierce, and St. Lucie River areas. Areas of the

Indian River Lagoon adjacent to larger tributaries and

major drainages systems experience elevated levels of

nutrients and total suspended solids.