Q3 2026 IRL Newsletter
One Lagoon, Once Voice:
Your Quarterly Guide to IRLNEP News and Progress
Whether it’s the excitement of FIFA World Cup games being held in the U.S.; the end of a 53-year championship drought for the New York Knicks; the easing of Florida’s Spring 2026 drought; or gearing up for another hurricane season; there seems to be no shortage of attention-grabbing headlines shaping our conversations. Amid all of this, I’ve chosen to feature another developing story, one that could be just as significant as all the other big stories vying for attention. Forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center now point toward the possible development of a “super” El Niño for 2026–2027. El Niños are powerful climate events that could have far-reaching impacts on weather patterns and our daily lives.
So, what is an El Niño?
Let’s start with a bit of history. In the 1800s, Peruvian fishermen noticed warm ocean waters appearing along the coast every few years, drastically reducing their catches and impacting the food supply in their communities. Because these warming waters typically arrived around Christmas, they called the phenomenon El Niño, Spanish for little boy or Christ child.
By the 1900’s ocean scientists and meteorologists observed periodic atmospheric and ocean patterns in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean that influenced global weather and ocean patterns. These patterns swing between warming phases and cooling phases that generally alternate every 3-7 years. El Niño events are characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean. The opposite phase, La Niña, produces unusually cold conditions in Pacific Ocean temperatures. Together these atmospheric and ocean phases are called ENSO events (El Niño and Southern Oscillation). Between El Niño and La Niña conditions, scientists have also noticed a neutral phase they call ENSO Neutral, where ocean and atmospheric conditions remain near their long-term averages.
Map of typical El Niño events. Graphic: NOAA Climate.gov.
This year, scientists are predicting a more than 50% chance of a “super” El Niño occurring. Super El Niños are characterized by sea surface temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific rising at least 3.6°F above average. This creates vast areas of warm ocean water that alters global atmospheric circulation, triggers extreme weather worldwide and impacts important fisheries.
The Peruvian anchovy fishery, the largest single-species fishery in the world, shows the impacts of El Ninos. Wind patterns off the coast of Peru change; cold, nutrient-rich water that typically upwells along the coast stops; and anchovies, which depend on the small phytoplankton and zooplankton in upwelling waters, are cut off from food resources so migrate away or move to deeper waters. This results in severely reduced catches for fishers, mandated fishery closures, and food scarcity for communities.
Map of typical La Niña events. Graphic: NOAA Climate.gov.
What does a super El Niño mean for Florida? Most commonly, upper-level winds will increase across the Atlantic Ocean. This wind shear tends to disrupt developing storms, decreasing the chances for tropical storms and hurricanes. This doesn’t mean we should be complacent about our hurricane preparations for 2026. Two devastating hurricanes made landfall in Florida during El Niño years, including the Category 5 Hurricane Michael (2018) and the Category 4 Hurricane Idalia (2023). Additionally, shifts in the subtropical jet stream during Florida’s dry winter and spring months can drive severe storm systems, increasing the risk for tornados and severe rains across the southern US.
As I write this message, I’m reminded about how complex and dynamic our coupled atmosphere and ocean environments are. It’s a powerful lesson that science matters. Robust U.S. and global ocean and weather observing systems provide crucial data used in making well-informed risk assessments, predictions of extreme events, and preparations for protecting lives, property and the economy. Together, these systems highlight that sustained investment in science is not an option. It’s essential to safeguarding our future in an ever-changing world.
Helping Neighborhoods Protect the Indian River Lagoon, One Pond at a Time
Photo Credit: Brevard County
When most people think about protecting the Indian River Lagoon, stormwater ponds may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet these ponds play an important role in keeping pollutants out of local waterways and improving water quality throughout the lagoon watershed.
To help residents better understand these important systems, Brevard County’s Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) Program launched the SOIRL Stormwater Pond Pilot Program. Supported by funding from the IRLNEP and the SOIRL half-cent sales tax, the pilot program partnered with four homeowners’ associations (HOAs) to increase awareness of stormwater pond maintenance, encourage community involvement, and identify opportunities to reduce pollution entering the Indian River Lagoon.
Stormwater ponds are designed to collect rainfall runoff from neighborhoods, reducing flooding while capturing pollutants before they reach nearby waterways. When properly maintained, these ponds can remove excess nitrogen and phosphorus as well as suspended solids from stormwater. Considering that stormwater is a major contributor of nutrient pollution in the lagoon, improving pond management can have meaningful benefits for lagoon health.
Photo Credit: Brevard County
The pilot program focused on four key goals: educating HOA residents about stormwater pond best management practices, engaging volunteers through citizen science water quality monitoring, helping communities identify and implement pond improvement projects, and increasing awareness of the connection between neighborhood actions and lagoon health.
Throughout the project, participating residents learned about how stormwater ponds function, common maintenance challenges, and practical steps communities can take to improve pond performance. Volunteers also participated in water quality monitoring to better understand nutrient levels within neighborhood ponds. These activities provided valuable data while also helping residents develop a stronger connection to the water resources in their own communities.
Photo Credit: Brevard County
One of the most important outcomes of the pilot program was increased awareness. Residents gained a better understanding of how stormwater ponds influence water quality and expressed support for ecological improvements that could enhance pond function and benefit the lagoon. While surveys showed only modest changes in attitudes and behaviors over the course of the project, the program successfully established a foundation for long-term community engagement.
Management Conference Quarterly Meetings
The IRLNEP Management Conference conducted its most recent series of quarterly meetings in April and May. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee met on Thursday, April 30, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the IRLNEP Offices in Sebastian. The Finance Subcommittee, Management Board and STEM Advisory Committee each met on Tuesday, May 5, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the IRLNEP Offices in Sebastian. The IRL Council Board of Directors met on Friday, May 8, at Sebastian City Hall beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Finance Subcommittee
The Finance Subcommittee reviewed the quarterly financial reports, Fiscal 2025 Independent Audit Report, Fiscal Year 2027 Final Budget and a Request for Proposals for Independent Auditing Services to be released this fall. It recommended to the IRL Management Board that the IRL Council Board of Directors accept each of the items above.
For details of all business conducted at the Finance Subcommittee meeting, view the Meeting Packet.
Management Board and the STEM Advisory Committees
Both the Management Board and STEM Committee heard quarterly water quality updates from South Florida and St. Johns Water Management District staff and a presentation from Dr. Kai Rains, Water Institute, School of Geosciences, University of South Florida on the topic: New Decision-Support Information and Tools for Water-Quality Conservation and Restoration. The presentation covered Dr. Rains’ work on utilizing GIS and other tools to locate and characterize areas for targeted wetland restoration.
There was no Old Business. New business included a review of the Small Grants RFP and funding recommendations made by the Citizen’s Advisory Committee; the Fiscal Year 2027 Final Budget; Independent Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2025; and a Request for Proposals to be released in the fall for auditing services. There were also two items of business for discussion. Virginia Barker of Brevard County Natural Resources Department guided a discussion about priorities for renewal of the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Plan should it be approved by voters during the fall elections. The other discussion focused on project categories and priorities for Fiscal 2027 requests for proposals. Staff collected all input from this discussion and will return with a funding strategy during the next meeting.
The Management Board and STEM Advisory Committee recommended approval of the final ranked list for Small Grants and funding the top projects from that list. They also recommended approval of the 2027 final budget, acceptance of the Fiscal 2025 audit report, and release of the request for proposals for auditing services. Staff provided updates on Community Engagement, IT and Data Science projects, and the Executive Director’s report.
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 Citizen’s Advisory Committee met one week prior to regularly scheduled Management Conference meetings in order to have their ranked list of Small Grants and funding recommendation available to the Management Board and STEM Committee. They recommended approval of the ranked listing of projects submitted under the annual Requests for Proposals call and recommended funding the top-ranked projects.
The CAC also recommended approval of the Fiscal Year 2027 final budget, the Request for Proposals for independent auditing services, and acceptance of the Fiscal 2025 audit report. They also held a discussion on funding categories and priorities for Fiscal 2028 projects and gave recommendations for staff consideration when developing requests for proposals. Staff provided updates on Community Engagement, IT and Data Science projects, and the Executive Director’s report.
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:
As part of the Consent Agenda, the Board:
- Approved the February 12, 2026 Board of Directors meeting minutes
- Board of Directors Appointments to the Management Conference
- Samantha Garcia, Marine Discovery Center, to Citizens’ Advisory Committee, replacing Tess Sailor-Tynes
- Missy Weiss, Indian River Neighborhood Association, to STEM
- John Penny, Volusia League of Cities, to Management Board, replacing Doug Gibson
The Board accepted the Management Conference recommendations for the ranked lists of projects in Small Grants and authorized staff to negotiate and enter into contracts with the top ranked proposals in each category consistent with funding availability.
The Board also approved the Fiscal Year 2027 final budget, accepted the Fiscal 2025 audit report, and approved the request for proposals for independent audit services. They heard the collected input from the Management Conference on priorities and funding categories for Fiscal 2028 funding and directed staff to keep current categories and develop a more directed RFP for the Science and Innovation category, with staff returning at the next meeting with a recommendation. Staff provided updates on Community Engagement, IT and Data Science projects, and the Executive Director’s 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
Across the watershed, local governments are proving that meaningful change happens through partnership, persistence, and a shared commitment to a thriving Indian River Lagoon.
Deep Creek Preserve 1,299 Acre Expansion Approved by Volusia County Council
Photo Credit: Volusia County
Volusia County has taken another significant step in protecting Florida’s natural heritage with the acquisition of 1,299 acres along the St. Johns River in Osteen. At their May 5, 2026 meeting, the Volusia County Council unanimously approved the purchase of River Bend Ranch using $20 million from the Volusia Forever program. The acquisition adds a critical piece of conservation land to one of Florida’s most important ecological regions and demonstrates the county’s long-standing commitment to preserving natural resources for future generations.
River Bend Ranch contains a remarkable diversity of habitats, including floodplain marshes, pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, freshwater marshes, wet prairies, and longleaf pine ecosystems. The property stretches approximately two miles along the St. Johns River and 1.3 miles along Deep Creek, providing valuable natural water storage, filtration, and flood protection for the Middle St. Johns River basin. By safeguarding these lands, Volusia County is helping protect water quality while maintaining the natural functions that support both wildlife and local communities.
The property also serves as an important connection within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and is directly adjacent to the Deering Preserve at Deep Creek. Conservation advocates noted that protecting River Bend Ranch strengthens habitat connectivity for a wide range of wildlife, including black bears, Florida panthers, bobcats, white-tailed deer, and numerous bird species. Preserving large, connected landscapes allows wildlife to move safely between habitats and enhances the long-term resilience of Florida’s ecosystems.
Since launching its land conservation efforts in 1986 and establishing the Volusia Forever program in 2000, Volusia County has become a leader in local conservation. Supported by voters and strengthened through partnerships with state and federal agencies, the program has helped protect more than 61,800 acres across the county. The purchase of River Bend Ranch reflects the vision of residents and local leaders who recognize that conserving environmentally sensitive lands today will provide lasting benefits for wildlife, water resources, recreation, and quality of life for generations to come.
Learn more about Volusia Forever here.
Brevard County Places Lagoon Restoration Before Voters… Again!
On May 19, 2026, the Brevard County Commission unanimously voted to place the renewal of the Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) half-cent sales tax on the November 3 ballot, giving residents the opportunity to shape the next chapter of one of the region’s most ambitious environmental restoration efforts. First approved by voters in 2016 in response to severe seagrass losses and declining lagoon health, the program has invested more than a decade in reducing pollution, restoring habitats, and improving water quality throughout the Indian River Lagoon. The Commission’s vote reflects confidence in the progress made so far and recognizes the important role citizens have played in driving restoration efforts.
Photo Credit: South Johns Water Management District
Over the past ten years, SOIRL has funded projects that address some of the lagoon’s most significant challenges, including septic-to-sewer conversions, wastewater treatment upgrades, stormwater improvements, and muck removal. These investments are beginning to show measurable results. Recent monitoring has documented thousands of hectares of new seagrass growth throughout the lagoon system, offering renewed hope for fish, manatees, and countless other species that depend on healthy underwater habitats. Community leaders, scientists, and environmental advocates have pointed to these encouraging trends as evidence that long-term restoration efforts are making a difference and that sustained investment can continue to improve ecosystem health.
The future of the program now rests with the people of Brevard County. If renewed, the tax could generate hundreds of millions of dollars over the next decade to continue restoration projects and build upon the momentum already underway. Regardless of the outcome, the upcoming vote represents more than a funding decision—it is an opportunity for residents to determine how they wish to steward our precious estuary. The story of the Indian River Lagoon has always been one of people and nature working together, and this November, voters will once again have the chance to help shape that story for generations to come.
Learn more about SOIRL’s past success here.
Indian River County Launches Free Mobile Pump-Out Service to Protect the Lagoon
Photo Credit: Indian River County
Indian River County is taking another important step to improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon with the launch of a free mobile marine pump-out service for boaters. The initiative was approved by the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners on April 21, 2026, and is designed to reduce sewage pollution from vessels anchored throughout county waters. The program utilizes a custom-built 23-foot pump-out boat that travels directly to boaters, removing wastewater from onboard holding tanks and transporting it to facilities connected to the county’s sanitary sewer system for proper treatment.
The service, which operates at no cost to boaters, was developed through a partnership between Indian River County, the Indian River Land Trust, the Clean Water Coalition, and other community partners. County officials identified a need for additional pump-out capacity as the number of recreational and live-aboard vessels increased in the lagoon. By making sewage disposal easier and more convenient, the program helps prevent illegal discharges and reduces the flow of nutrients and contaminants into one of the region’s most valuable natural resources. The vessel currently operates several days each week and provides a practical solution for boaters who may not have easy access to marina-based pump-out facilities.
The new pump-out program represents a proactive investment in lagoon restoration and demonstrates how local governments can address water quality challenges through innovation and collaboration. By bringing the service directly to boaters, Indian River County is removing barriers to proper waste disposal while helping protect seagrass beds, fisheries, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities throughout the lagoon. As restoration efforts continue across the watershed, initiatives like this one highlight the important role that local partnerships and community-driven solutions play in safeguarding the health of the Indian River Lagoon for future generations.
New Anchoring Limitation Areas in Effect within Fort Pierce Inlet
Effective June 1, 2026, St. Lucie County and the City of Fort Pierce implemented two new Anchoring Limitation Areas (ALAs) within Fort Pierce Inlet to help protect the Indian River Lagoon and improve navigation safety in one of the region’s busiest waterways. The St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners adopted the ordinance establishing the ALAs on July 22, 2025, under Florida Statute 327.4108. The new regulations are designed to address the growing number of long-term anchored vessels in and around Fort Pierce Harbor, where increasing congestion has created challenges for recreational boaters, commercial operators, and the Port of Fort Pierce.
The two designated anchoring limitation areas encompass more than 130 acres of water within the inlet and harbor system. Under the new rules, vessels may not anchor within these areas for more than 45 consecutive days during any six-month period without leaving all anchoring limitation areas for at least 24 hours. While the regulations maintain exemptions for commercial fishing vessels, government operations, active construction projects, and certain recreational activities, the overall goal is to reduce the concentration of long-term and unattended vessels in sensitive and heavily trafficked waters. By improving vessel turnover and reducing congestion, the county hopes to enhance public safety while preserving access to these important waterways.
Photo Credit: St. Lucie County
Beyond navigation benefits, the new ALAs represent an important investment in protecting the health of the Indian River Lagoon. County and city officials will have more opportunities to engage directly with boaters, provide information about available pump-out services, and identify vessels that may be at risk of becoming derelict before environmental problems occur. Reducing the number of abandoned or neglected vessels helps prevent fuel spills, marine debris, and wastewater discharges that can negatively impact water quality and wildlife habitat. These proactive measures support ongoing restoration efforts throughout the lagoon and reinforce the community’s commitment to responsible stewardship of its natural resources.
The Fort Pierce Inlet serves as both an economic engine and a gateway to the Indian River Lagoon, making its protection a priority for local governments and residents alike. The new anchoring limitation areas reflect a balanced approach that supports boating access while safeguarding water quality, wildlife habitat, and critical navigation corridors. Together with restoration projects occurring throughout the watershed, these measures help preserve the ecological health and recreational value of the lagoon that so many residents and visitors enjoy.
More details about the Anchoring Limitation Areas here.
Martin County Forever Builds Momentum Through Local Conservation Investment
Less than two years after voters approved the Martin County Forever program, the county is already seeing remarkable conservation results. Funded through a voter-approved half-cent sales tax adopted in 2024, the program generates approximately $20 million annually to acquire and permanently protect environmentally sensitive lands. To date, more than 2,000 acres have been preserved, with another 2,000 acres expected to be protected through land purchases and conservation easements in the coming year. The program reflects a strong community commitment to preserving the natural landscapes, wildlife habitat, and rural character that define Martin County.
Photo Credit: Martin County
Among the program’s notable successes is the conservation easement at Bar-B Ranch, a project that protects valuable open space while maintaining working lands and wildlife habitat. Martin County Forever has also demonstrated the power of local conservation funding by moving quickly to secure priority properties when opportunities arise. County officials continue to pursue strategic acquisitions that protect natural resources, improve environmental conditions, and prevent the loss of important conservation lands to future development. These efforts also help safeguard water resources that support the St. Lucie River, Indian River Lagoon, and surrounding ecosystems.
While state conservation programs have historically been valuable partners in land protection efforts, Martin County Forever is proving that local investment can drive meaningful conservation progress. The program continues to advance land acquisitions and conservation easements while exploring opportunities to leverage future state and regional partnerships when available. By acting quickly to preserve key properties today, Martin County is building a connected network of protected lands that supports wildlife, strengthens ecosystem resilience, and preserves the environmental qualities that make the county a special place to live, work, and enjoy the outdoors.
Visit the Martin County Forever website here.
Live Lagoon–Friendly
When speaking about protection and restoration of the IRL, there is no single cause or single solution. Progress comes from many efforts, from government projects, nonprofit efforts, and individual actions, all working in sync. Every action, big or small, contributes to a healthier lagoon, making protection a shared responsibility. Governments and agencies oversee regulatory actions and improvements; nonprofit organizations drive hands-on change and community engagement; and individuals play key roles by making Lagoon-Friendly choices in everyday life.
Last quarter, we focused on the “Remove” and “Restore” steps of Lagoon-Friendly living. This quarter, let’s discuss “Responding.”
When a major algae bloom or fish kill appears in the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most common and heartfelt questions from residents is, “What can I do to help?”
The answer is simple and powerful: Respond. Responding means turning concern into action, and action into lasting improvement for the lagoon.
Start by staying informed. The more we understand the challenges facing the lagoon: nutrient pollution, stormwater runoff, habitat loss, and changing water conditions, the better equipped we are to be part of the solution. Awareness is often the first step toward meaningful change.
Next, get involved. Across the lagoon region, governments and agencies, nonprofit organizations and community groups are working every day to restore and protect this incredible estuary. Whether your passion is native plant landscaping, litter cleanups, shoreline restoration, oyster reef building, or water quality monitoring, there is a place for you to plug in. These volunteer efforts don’t just help the lagoon, they also build community and momentum.
Home systems matter too. If you have a septic system, routine maintenance is an important part of Lagoon-Friendly living. Make sure your system is inspected every three to five years and pumped as needed. Well-maintained systems are less likely to contribute excess nutrients to nearby waterways, helping reduce stress on the lagoon.
Responding doesn’t require a single big action. Responding is the collection of informed choices, volunteer hours, and responsible home care that adds up over time. Every response matters, and together those responses, and those of our friends and neighbors, become real progress for the lagoon.
To report a fishkill in Florida, you can report a fish kill in Florida by calling the FWC Fish Kill Hotline at 1-800-636-0511 or submitting an online report here.
To report an algal bloom in Florida, you can contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at the toll-free hotline at 1-855-305-3903 or report online here.
Plastic Free July™: Small Changes, Big Impact for the Indian River Lagoon
Photo Credit: Heather Stapleton
Protecting the Indian River Lagoon starts with the choices we make every day.
Every July, millions of people around the world participate in Plastic Free July™, a global movement that encourages individuals, businesses, schools, and communities to reduce reliance on single-use plastics. Started in 2011 by founder Rebecca Prince-Ruiz and a small team in Western Australia, the campaign has grown into one of the world’s largest environmental behavior-change movements. Today, Plastic Free July™ is an initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing plastic waste through simple, everyday actions.
While the name suggests going “plastic free,” the movement isn’t about perfection. It’s about becoming more aware of the plastics we use every day and making practical choices to reduce unnecessary waste. Every reusable water bottle, shopping bag, coffee mug, or food container helps reduce the amount of plastic entering our environment.
Here on Florida’s east coast, those choices have a direct impact on the Indian River Lagoon. Plastic litter that reaches our waterways doesn’t simply disappear—it breaks down into tiny pieces called microplastics. Researchers have found microplastics throughout the lagoon, including in water, sediments, oysters, and fish. Scientists have also detected microplastics in many parts of the human body, including blood, lungs, and the placenta, and continue to study their potential health impacts. The good news is that every one of us can be part of the solution.
The IRLNEP, Coastal Connections and other organizations work year-round to reduce plastic pollution through community education, outreach, volunteer opportunities, and stewardship programs that help keep litter out of the lagoon before it becomes microplastic pollution. Together, we’re helping people understand that while recycling remains important, the greatest impact comes from the first two “Rs”: Reduce and Reuse.
This Plastic Free July™, challenge yourself to make one simple swap. Carry a reusable water bottle or coffee mug, bring your own shopping bags, choose products with less packaging, or simply say, “No straw, please.” Small, consistent changes become lasting habits—and when thousands of people make those changes together, the results can be extraordinary.
Where Nature Meets Economic Services
Photo Credit: Kim Piston
Stretching 156 miles along Florida’s east coast, the Indian River Lagoon supports more than 4,400 species of plants and animals while providing countless opportunities for fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and recreation. The ecosystem services provided by the lagoon are immense.
What exactly are ecosystem services? They are the functional benefits that healthy ecosystems provide to people and the economy. These benefits often go unnoticed because they don’t come with a price tag but they include:
- Provisioning services: tangible goods such as timber or fish and shellfish harvested for food.
- Regulating services: natural processes like water filtration, storm buffering, and climate regulation.
- Supporting services: ecological functions essential to life, such as nutrient cycling and habitat provision.
- Cultural services: recreation, tourism, aesthetic and quality of life benefits.
A 2025 economic assessment commissioned by the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP) and conducted by The Balmoral Group estimated that the lagoon provides approximately $10 billion in ecosystem services every year. This figure represents the value of nature’s work, not the lagoon’s total economic impact.
Photo Credit: The Balmoral Group
Recreation accounts for the largest share of the lagoon’s ecosystem services, contributing an estimated $6.8 billion annually through boating, fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Healthy lagoon ecosystems also increase property values for residences and businesses close to the lagoon. Clean water, abundant wildlife, and scenic waterfronts contribute an estimated $1.4 billion annually in enhanced property value benefits.
Habitat quality accounts for $1 billion annually. Not only do healthy habitats provide living space for animals and plants, they also enable the physical and chemical processes that preserve and protect ecosystem function, nutrient cycling, flood control and other benefits.
Other common ecosystem services include water quality ($530 million annually), urban flood risk mitigation ($487 million annually), coastal protection ($250 million annually) and commercial fishing ($3.7 million annually).
The lagoon also supports a much larger regional economy through tourism, marine businesses, commercial operations, and related industries. A separate analysis estimates that the Indian River Lagoon generates more than $28 billion in annual economic activity and supports approximately 128,000 jobs throughout the region.
Together, these analyses quantify the lagoon’s dual importance as a functioning ecosystem that delivers billions of dollars in natural benefits, and as a driver for the regional economy worth more than $28 billion annually.
Read more:
Read the Executive Summary, Indian River Lagoon Economic Valuation here.
Read the Indian River Lagoon Economic Valuation.Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program Technical Report #2025-02b here.
Share this post:
About the Author: KJ Ayres
