It extends from Jupiter Inlet in Palm Beach County to Ponce de Leon Inlet in Volusia County for about 150 miles. Because of its geographical position, the waters of the Lagoon have a mix of organisms common to both temperate and tropical climates, making it one of the most diverse estuaries in the world. More than 70 percent of Florida's commercial and recreational fish, shellfish and crustaceans, including those that are caught offshore, spend part of their life cycle in the estuary. Seagrasses are the most important component of this diverse estuarine lagoon system supporting the myriad of microscopic plants and animals as well as, recreational, sport and commercially important fish and shellfish. Johnson s Seagrass was added to the Federal threatened species list in 1998.
Light is the most important factor affecting seagrass.
In the last two decades seagrasses have almost completely disappeared from some areas of the Lagoon, while other area populations are stable and productive. Up to 30 percent of the populations have been lost lagoon-wide. Reduced water clarity is one of the major causes of seagrass reduction, affecting deeper waters near the edges of the seagrass beds the most. Increased amounts of nutrients, water particles and coloration cause increased algae populations. Reduced water clarity typically indicates declining water quality.