Q1 2025 IRL Newsletter
One Lagoon, Once Voice:
Your Quarterly Guide to IRLNEP News and Progress
If you are a longtime Floridian, a farmer, someone who fishes commercially or recreationally, or perhaps just an observant visitor, you know the subtle signs of Florida’s changing seasons. You can see them. You can smell them. You can hear them. You can feel them. If you pay close attention, you’ll note larger than usual flocks of birds migrating south along the Atlantic Flyway. You’ll notice the palm trees fruiting. You’ll see your lawn beginning to go dormant for the winter. Savvy anglers, as well as many species of game fish, have their senses triggered by the smell of the fall mullet run. And we all breathe a collective sigh of relief when we feel the first cold fronts that signal the end of Florida’s hurricane season. Florida’s subtle seasonal changes are also felt by every plant and animal in the Indian River Lagoon system (IRL). The seasons influence the productivity, biodiversity and health of the lagoon system.
Human impacts also influence the health of the lagoon and have far-reaching effects that go beyond a single season. One particular, not so subtle, stressor for the southern IRL occurs when large-volume, high-velocity discharges of freshwater are released by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) to manage Lake Okeechobee water levels. These discharges to the St. Lucie River and southern IRL have devastating impacts on estuarine water quality and estuarine species like oysters and seagrasses. Significant rainfalls in 2024 raised water levels in Lake Okeechobee. To alleviate pressure on the dike surrounding the lake, the ACOE plans to begin discharging water in early December 2024 that will continue into Spring 2025. Sadly, this timing is likely to coincide with the beginning of the seagrass growing season in spring as waters warm, oyster larvae seek places to settle and new seagrass growth occurs.
Warming waters caused by climate change have been linked to more frequent and intense rainfall events and storms. Florida is particularly vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. In early December I drove along the Gulf Coast barrier island from Sand Key Beach south to St. Pete Beach. The infrastructure damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton was extensive. The impacts on human lives and livelihoods were immense and will be long-lasting. These hurricanes exposed vulnerabilities and resulted in failures of critical infrastructure, including discharges from multiple municipal wastewater facilities and industrial sites. The long-term ecological impacts are not fully understood but will be longer lasting in the inshore estuaries and tributaries.
On my drive back home to Florida’s east coast, I thought about the vulnerabilities of our narrow and fragile Atlantic barrier islands and the narrow, shallow and poorly flushed IRL system. While both have been through thousands of years of seasonal changes, they are now increasingly susceptible to catastrophic impacts from intense storms that cause flooding and compromise aging, inadequate wastewater systems, power plants, roads, and shorelines. Rapidly expanding infrastructure growth of the commercial space industry, and unconstrained coastal development will also continue to challenge our ability to balance economic and environmental factors.
It is important that local, state and federal investments for infrastructure improvements continue to change alongside the new challenges presented by a changing climate. In the coming years, ensuring community resilience and protecting water quality will be essential to continued economic prosperity and quality of life. Investments that protect and restore habitats and provide long-term funding to support responsible stewardship and resource management are an essential part of a sustainable future that will deliver ecosystem, economic, and human health benefits with a strong return on investment. We are making progress. Though much work remains, we have the resolve to keep responding to the seasons of change impacting the lagoon today and into the future.
Building Momentum: Year 3 of Lagoonwide Capacity for IRL Seagrass Recovery
Seagrass restoration in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) has reached an exciting milestone in its third year, thanks to a collaborative effort led by the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP). This groundbreaking initiative, Building Lagoonwide Capacity for IRL Seagrass Recovery, is mobilizing resources and regional expertise to restore critical habitats in the IRL, which has been plagued bymore than a decade of seagrass loss.
Funded with $500,000 annually from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this five-year project (2022-2026) has brought together a powerhouse team of partners: Sea and Shoreline, LLC; Florida Atlantic University-Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute; Florida Oceanographic Society; Brevard Zoo; and the Marine Discovery Center. Together, they are laying the foundation for long-term seagrass recovery by building infrastructure, equipping facilities, and training personnel to sustain restoration efforts and advance scientific understanding.
Growing a Stronger Future
The project's cornerstone is the establishment of four regional restoration centers and a dedicated processing facility. These hubs are designed to support restoration practitioners by providing an ample supply of filter feeders, shoreline plants, and seagrasses while fostering research into seagrass cultivation and ecophysiology. In particular, the team is deepening knowledge of three important species: Halodule wrightii (shoal grass), Ruppia maritima (widgeon grass), and Syringodium filiforme (manatee grass). This work will also produce a manual of best practices for growing seagrasses—critical knowledge for restorationn practitioners everywhere.
Partnerships in Action
In late November, project partners gathered at Florida Atlantic University-Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute to tour the state-of-the-art seagrass facility. The meeting was an inspiring showcase of progress. IRLNEP provided funding updates, while partners shared news of their individual seagrass nurseries. These discussions underscored the power of collaboration, as partners brainstormed ways to expand their efforts and strengthen the lagoon's ecological health. 
A Growing Impact
Already, the project is achieving measurable success. Regional restoration centers are ramping up capacity to supply seagrasses , creating a brighter outlook for the IRL's future. The work being done now will not only help revive the lagoon's vital seagrass ecosystems but also bolster the IRL's ability to remain a haven for diverse marine life and a treasure for the surrounding community.
The journey toward a restored Indian River Lagoon is well underway, and with continued collaboration, investment, and innovation, this vital ecosystem is on track for a vibrant resurgence. Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses!
Management Conference Quarterly Meetings
The IRLNEP Management Conference conducted its most recent series of quarterly meetings in November. The Finance Subcommittee, Management Board and STEM Advisory Committee each met at the IRLNEP offices in Sebastian on Tuesday, November 12, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee met on Thursday, November 14 at 1:30 p.m., and the IRL Council Board of Directors met on Friday, May 10 at Sebastian City Hall beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Finance Subcommittee
Management Board and the STEM Advisory Committees
The Management Board and Stem Advisory Committee each made recommendations to the IRL Council Board of Directors to approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. They also recommended the Board approve the IRL Council meeting calendar for 2025 and authorize staff to develop and release an RFQ for Grant Writing services to replace vacancies and expand the list of available contractors.
Both committees heard a presentation from Pete Eggert, VP of Environmental Health and Safety at Space Florida, regarding the Port Canaveral wharf study, which would allow for an expansion of the port to accommodate the increasing needs of the commercial space industry. Duane De Freese also gave a presentation on an overview of the NOAA grant and its current status and welcomed Mr. Kevin Walker as a staff member of the IRLNEP, overseeing the NOAA grant projects.
For details of all business conducted at the Management Board meeting, view the Meeting Packet.
For details of all business conducted at the STEM Advisory Committee meeting, view the Meeting Packet.
Citizen’s Advisory Committee
The Citizens Advisory Committee heard a presentation from Carley Metcalf, Education Coordinator, at Marine Discovery Center on an IRLNEP-funded small grant project entitled Project Plankton. This highly successful project engages adults and children in a citizen science and education program focused on collecting and categorizing plankton. Duane De Freese also gave a presentation on an overview of the NOAA grant and its current status and welcomed Mr. Kevin Walker as a staff member of the IRLNEP, overseeing the NOAA grant projects.
The Committee made its recommendation that the IRL Council Board of Directors approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, approve the IRL Council meeting calendar for 2025, and authorize staff to develop and release an RFQ for Grant Writing services to replace vacancies and expand the list of available contractors.
For details of all business conducted at the Citizens Advisory Committee meeting, view the Meeting Packet.
IRL Council Board of Directors
The week of quarterly meetings concluded with the IRL Council Board of Directors meeting, which incorporated all the recommendations from the Management Conference. The Board of Directors:
- Approved minutes from their previous meeting;
- As part of the Consent Agenda, the Board:
- Authorized staff to develop and issue a Request for Qualification (RFQ) for Grant Writing Services to replace vacancies and expand list of contractors;
- Amended IRL Council Operating Procedures Manual to accommodate audit recommendations made during the 2023 audit;
- Amended IRL Council Handbook of Personnel Policies and Practices;
- Made three appointments to the Management Conference:
- Thomas Heller, Jupiter Narrows Conservation Alliance, to CAC
- Krista McCoy, Florida Oceanographic Society, to STEM
- Sherry McCorkle, SFWMD, to Management Board replacing Kathy LaMartina
- Duane De Freese gave a presentation that overviewed the NOAA grant and its current status and welcomed Mr. Kevin Walker as a staff member of the IRLNEP, overseeing the NOAA grant projects.
- The Board also:
- Approved an amendment to the 2025 Budget;
- Approved the IRL Council meeting calendar for 2025;
- Heard water quality, committee and staff reports, as well as Executive Director Duane De Freese’s quarterly report.
For details of all business conducted at the IRL Council Board of Directors meeting, view the Meeting Packet.
NEWS FROM THE FRONT…
Local Government Happenings
We commend our municipal partners for their commitment, hard work and dedication. Check out just some of the good work done in the last quarter of 2024.
Big Changes Coming to North Peninsula: Drainage Upgrades on the Way
Volusia County’s major drainage improvement project to reduce flooding and make the area more storm resilient is expected to be complete in January 2025.! This project focuses on the Buckingham Drive Exfiltration System in Ormond Beach, part of the Halifax River stormwater outfall system. It’s an identified stormwater best management practice (BMP) aimed at meeting total maximum daily load (TMDL) goals for reducing nutrients in the Halifax River. Key upgrades include:
- Exfiltration Trench: Replacing the existing reinforced concrete pipe along Buckingham Drive with a trench to improve water filtration.
- Weir Structure Installation: A weir structure will be added at the downstream end of the exfiltration system.
- Nutrient Separating Baffle Box: The Halifax River outfall will be retrofitted with a baffle box to reduce nutrient pollution.
The Volusia County Council approved funding for the project on February 15, 2022, through the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CLFRF) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Design and permitting were completed, and construction bids were received in March 2024. The construction contract was awarded in May 2024 to GPS Civil Construction.
These improvements will lead to safer roads, better drainage, and a stronger infrastructure to handle future storms. The upgrades are part of a long-term effort to protect the Halifax River and surrounding communities from the impacts of heavy rainfall.
For more updates, see the Volusia County’s Stormwater Management Program webpage.
Indian River Lagoon Day Celebration in Brevard County
The City of Melbourne, the Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department, and the IRLNEP came together to host Indian River Lagoon Day, a vibrant event celebrating the importance of the Indian River Lagoon. The event took place on Saturday, November 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Front Street Park in Melbourne. Admission was free, encouraging community members to join the festivities.
Environmental exhibitors showcased various volunteer opportunities, including restoration activities, educational initiatives, and citizen-science projects. Paddling Paradise offered free kayaking experiences, while food trucks, live music, arts and crafts vendors, a bounce house, and children’s activities added to the lively atmosphere. Attendees also participated in environmental bingo for a chance to win prizes generously donated by vendors during the gift raffle.
A Hook Kids on Fishing clinic engaged children aged 5-15, introducing them to the basics of fishing and outdoor recreation, and for 30 lucky gardening enthusiasts, rain barrel workshops offered participants the opportunity to build and take home their very own rain barrels. Indian River Lagoon Day was a testament to the power of collaboration in fostering an informed and Lagoon-friendly community.
Grant award brings two transformational projects to Indian River County
Maybe you’ve heard about the NOAA-funded project that will concentrate on restoring several key habitats in the lagoon, including seagrass, oyster reefs, salt marshes, and shorelines… Well, Indian River County will also be restoring seagrasses to improve water quality, stabilize sediment, and enhance biodiversity at both Big Slough near Sebastian Inlet and Preacher’s Hole near North Wabasso Causeway. The Big Slough project will restore 12.8 acres of seagrass, while the Preacher’s Hole project will restore 10 acres.
We love a great partnership and look forward to intra-agency coordination as these projects move forward. This is a significant step forward in the preservation and revitalization of our IRL. Follow this link to stay updated on NOAA projects.
Water Champions Program kicks off in St. Lucie County
St. Lucie County is inviting residents to become active guardians of their local waterways through the relaunched St. Lucie Water Champions program. This free, action-oriented initiative is designed to engage adultsin monitoring, service projects, and citizen science efforts to protect and preserve the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon.
Participants in the St. Lucie Water Champions program will have access to both digital resources and immersive, hands-on, field experiences. Through a combination of interactive education and real-world engagement, the program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the essential role that water plays in the environment. Attendees will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful community projects aimed at addressing local water quality issues.
The program’s experiential learning opportunities include wetland explorations, behind-the-scenes tours of water treatment facilities, seagrass science investigations, and kayak adventures. These experiences not only highlight the complexity of water systems but also empower participants to take an active role in preserving them. By becoming Water Champions, residents can be part of a community-driven movement for a clean and healthy watershed.
The Oxbow Eco-Center will serve as the base site for the program, and transportation will be provided for off-site field excursions. St. Lucie Water Champions will take place on select Saturdays throughout the year, ensuring accessibility for a broad range of community members.
With registration now open, St. Lucie County is calling on residents to join this impactful initiative. Whether you’re passionate about environmental conservation or simply looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community, the St. Lucie Water Champions program offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and protect the county’s vital water resources. Be a driving force for change! Sign up today and become a Water Champion.
Backyard Composting Program earns Environmental Stewardship Award
The City of Stuart has been honored with the prestigious Environmental Education Award from Keep Martin Beautiful (KMB) at its annual Environmental Stewardship Awards. This award highlights the City's significant contributions to environmental education and sustainability, recognizing its efforts to foster awareness, innovation, and action within the community.
Recognized for its Backyard Composting Program's 2024 series, held in April, August and November 2024, which emphasized the importance of enriching nutrients in your soil, reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides, and cutting down on landfill trash, the City of Stuart has effectively raised awareness about the ecological significance of its waterways. Efforts to reduce marine debris and promote recycling have also played a critical role in the City's broader sustainability strategy.
Keep Martin Beautiful's Environmental Stewardship Awards are designed to recognize individuals, businesses, civic and nonprofit groups, and government agencies that are dedicated to improving the local environment and enhancing the community's quality of life. Awardees are celebrated for their initiatives in areas such as community and neighborhood revitalization, litter and marine debris removal, recycling programs, river advocacy, innovation and stewardship, and youth engagement and education.
The City of Stuart's recognition as a leader in environmental education is a testament to its commitment to nurturing a culture of sustainability. Over the past year, the city has spearheaded numerous educational initiatives aimed at engaging youth, fostering environmental stewardship, and inspiring the next generation of environmental advocates. Through school partnerships, community workshops, and public outreach events, Stuart has provided hands-on learning experiences that promote a deeper understanding of environmental issues and solutions.
The City of Stuart's Environmental Education Award serves as a powerful reminder of the role that education and community engagement play in fostering a more sustainable future. By championing initiatives that inspire action, Stuart continues to lead by example, creating a lasting impact on both the environment and the community.
2024 IRLNEP Annual Report: A Year of Progress for the Lagoon
The Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP) is excited to announce that our 2024 Annual Report is now available to the community. This comprehensive report highlights the incredible work accomplished by the IRLNEP team and its dedicated project partners across the watershed over the past year.
Key features of the report include a message from IRLNEP Executive Director Dr. Duane DeFreese, outlining the program’s commitment to restoring the lagoon, and an economic update showcasing the value of ongoing investments in the region’s ecological and economic health. Readers will also find a summary of the lagoon’s current condition, including an update on seagrass health, and updates on restoration projects that are making a difference for this vital estuary.
Looking ahead, the report previews exciting upcoming funding opportunities and plans for new projects in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re a scientist, community member, or policymaker, there’s something in the report for everyone who cares about the lagoon’s future.
Explore the 2024 IRLNEP Annual Report today and see how your support is helping to shape a brighter future for the Indian River Lagoon!
The Importance of the IRL to the Atlantic Flyway
Photo by Dee Fairbanks Simpson
The Atlantic Flyway is a major north-south migratory route for birds in North America, stretching from the Arctic tundra to the Caribbean and South America. Each year, millions of wading birds, shorebirds and waterfowl travel along this corridor, seeking warmer climates and abundant food resources during the winter months. This migration is a critical survival strategy for many species, allowing them to escape harsh northern winters and exploit seasonal resources in more temperate regions.
One of the key stopover points along the Atlantic Flyway is the Indian River Lagoon. With its rich array of open wetlands, mangroves, salt marshes and seagrass meadows, the lagoon offers essential food and shelter for migratory birds, making it a vital rest and refueling station during long journeys. A national seashore and three National Wildlife refuges are located within the lagoon watershed, each maintaining thousands of acres of natural areas that help support the millions of birds utilizing the Flyway.
Canaveral National Seashore spans Volusia and Brevard counties, lying between the cities of New Smyrna Beach and Titusville. It has the distinction of being the longest undeveloped stretch of land along the east coast of Florida. The Seashore spans over 57,600 acres and contains a variety of attractive bird habitats, including barrier islands, wetlands, ocean beaches, pine flatwoods and coastal hammocks, Over 310 species of birds are known to use the seashore throughout the year.
The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR) is located along the southern tip of Canaveral National Seashore. This refuge encompasses over 140,000 acres of diverse habitats, including wetlands, marshes, and coastal dunes. The refuge is home to over 358 species of birds, making it one of the premier birdwatching destinations in the country. Further south lies Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, located along the barrier island portion of the lagoon that encompasses both ocean and estuarine habitats. This refuge is renowned for its role in sea turtle conservation, but it also provides essential feeding grounds and resting habitats for migratory shorebirds. The refuge’s beaches, dunes, and coastal scrub areas are perfect for the more than 120 species of birds that visit each year to rest and feed on their long journeys.
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Indian River County holds historical significance as the first national wildlife refuge in the United States. Established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903, this refuge was initially created to protect various bird species from hunting. Today, it continues to serve as a sanctuary for numerous migratory birds, providing safe nesting and feeding grounds. The refuge’s protected status ensures that critical habitats remain intact for the 276 species of birds documented to use the site.
Collectively, these refuges not only provide critical food and habitat resources for birds during their arduous migrations but also offer opportunities for recreation, research, and education. Through the work of managing these federal lands, state and local parks in the watershed, the Indian River Lagoon is an indispensable mosaic of natural areas vital for the survival of millions of migratory birds travelling the Atlantic Flyway each year. The IRLNEP is proud of its contribution to restoring and protecting water quality in the lagoon, helping to ensure that the spectacular phenomenon of bird migration continues just as nature intended.
Sustainable New Year’s Resolutions to Help the Indian River Lagoon
- Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Make a commitment to using reusable bags, bottles, and containers. By cutting down on single-use plastics, you help reduce the plastic pollution that can harm the lagoon’s delicate ecosystem. Imagine the difference if everyone swapped out plastic bags for reusable ones. Give yourself a reminder so you don’t just leave them in the car.
- Practice Lagoon-Friendly Landscaping: Choose native plants that are specific to your area and your yard’s microclimate. Once established, native plants require less water and fewer chemicals. Spot-treat problem areas as needed, rather than spreading chemicals over your entire yard.
- Properly Dispose of Waste: Ensure that trash and recyclables are disposed of correctly. Participate in local clean-up events to help keep the lagoon clean. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make a visible impact. Plus, it’s a great way to meet like-minded, eco-conscious neighbors! All pet waste should go into the trash, too.
- Use Eco-Friendly Products: Choose biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the water system. Your choice of products can make a big difference in maintaining the lagoon’s health.
- Conserve Water: Implement water-saving practices at home, such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient fixtures, and reducing lawn irrigation. Every drop counts, and your efforts can help ensure there’s enough clean water for everyone.
- Get involved in your community: Attend town meetings, join local community and environmental organizations. Learn about the things affecting the lagoon and help ensure that problems are being addressed. Voice your opinions about environmental issues to your elected officials. Your voice can be a powerful tool for change, and who knows, you might inspire others to join the cause!
Resolve to do your part to help the lagoon in 2025. You can make a positive impact on the environment and inspire others to do the same.
What can you commit to doing in the new year? We encourage you to share your stories and inspire others! On social media, use the hashtag #onelagoon to connect with a community of people dedicated to protecting this vital ecosystem. Let’s make 2025 a year of positive change for the Indian River Lagoon!
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About the Author: One Lagoon
