In coastal areas, waters from several sources mix to become the essence of beautiful and unique water bodies, full of diversity.
Coastal ecosystems are critical habitats, nurturing many species of plants and animals.
South Florida's coastal systems support spiny lobster, penaeid shrimp, blue crab, oyster, spotted sea trout, stone crab and many other species of marine and freshwater species of commercial and recreational interest. The nature of coastal ecosystems, vulnerable to human activity, presents some unique sustainability challenges as these areas are especially prone to habitat loss and alteration. Coastal ecosystems associated with south Florida watersheds include the southern reaches of the Indian River Lagoon, the Savannas, the Atlantic Ridge, the St. Lucie River and Estuary, the Loxahatchee River and Estuary, the West Jupiter Wetlands, the Lake Worth Lagoon, Biscayne Bay, Florida Bay, the Florida Keys, Cape Sable, Cape Romano, the Caloosahatchee River and Esturary, Estero Bay, San Carlos Bay and Charlotte Harbor. One of the South Florida Water Management District's goals is to manage freshwater discharge to south Florida's estuaries in a way that preserves, protects and where possible, restores essential estuarine resources. The District seeks to ensure that estuaries receive not only the right amount of water at the right time but also clean, quality water.