In today’s episode we discuss the National Estuary Program and how it works. The NEP functions within a unique collaborative governance model structured around collaboration and communication among every stakeholder in the watershed. We talk about the EPA’s connection to the NEP, the NEP Management Conference, how the NEP brings people together and our shared [...]
Indian River Lagoon Community Engagement Coordinator Caleta Scott sits down with a very special guest — her father, Ronald Scott. As a Fort Pierce Florida native, Scott speaks of his experiences growing up as a Black nature-lover in the 1950s, and father and daughter discuss environmental accessibility through the years, fishing in the IRL, and [...]
Community Engagement Coordinator Caleta Scott brings on Lisa Krimsky and Vincent Encomio from University of Florida Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences for episode 10. We discuss Martin County’s Water Ambassador Program, how human activities influence water quality, the benefits of living shorelines and the state of wild oyster habitats in the IRL. To learn [...]
In episode 9, we’re sitting down with Dr. Dennis Hanisak and Kristen Davis from Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. We cover IRLON, or Indian River Lagoon Observatory Network of Environmental Sensors, measuring the water quality and weather data of the lagoon, accessible data, community outreach and hope for the future. To learn more [...]
Executive Director Duane DeFreese chats with fifth-generation commercial fisherman Charlie Sembler about how the Indian River Lagoon has changed since he was young, his time in the Florida Legislature, and practical advice for educating elected officials and the general public on how to help the IRL return to health. To learn more about the IRL [...]
IRL Community Engagement Coordinator, Jessy Wayles, sits down with Brevard Zoo Conservation Manager Olivia Escandell and Marine Discovery Center Conservation Science Coordinator Tess Sailor-Tynes to chat about historic funding in support of the Indian River Lagoon. They both have many exciting projects underway such as seagrass restoration, building seagrass nurseries, shuck & share oyster and [...]
Indian River Lagoon Counties identify lands for purchase based on their conservation value with consideration to allowing for public access and recreational use and enjoyment. In episode 6 of our podcast, we talk with Beth Powell (Director of IRL County Parks), Amy Griffin (Environmental Resources Director of St. Lucie County), and Mike Knight (Program Manager [...]
In our fifth episode, we talk with Captain Jim Ross and Captain Blair Wiggins, commercial fishing guides and Indian River Lagoon locals who have witnessed first-hand many of the changes to the Lagoon’s ecosystem. We discuss the potential solutions to Lagoon issues, including the IRL Clam Project, and what everyone in the community can do [...]
In our fourth episode, we’re talking about the importance of seagrass. Seagrasses are at the crux of many issues facing the Indian River Lagoon. But why are these underwater grasses so important? How do they impact water quality and ecology? And what is being done to nurse their damaged populations back to health? Lori Morris [...]
In our third episode, we sit down to discuss the Brevard Zoo’s new Aquarium Project. In September of 2021, the Canaveral Port Authority approved the construction of a new, 14-acre aquarium in conjunction with the Brevard Zoo. This will be a major educational resource for students, citizens, and scientists alike. The Indian River Lagoon National [...]
