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Indian River Lagoon

Indian River Lagoon map
Indian River Lagoon program area


roseate spoonbill in Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
roseate spoonbill
© Ryan Hagerty/USFWS

The Indian River Lagoon is the most diverse estuary in North America, harboring 50 imperiled plant and animal species. Stretching 156 miles along Florida’s east coast from Ponce Inlet in Volusia County to Jupiter Inlet in Palm Beach. The lagoon supports a multi-million dollar commercial fishing industry as well as recreation and tourism.

Rare Plants & Animals

  • oyster reef
  • Johnson’s seagrass
  • sea turtles
  • West Indian manatee
  • roseate spoonbill
  • Eastern indigo snake
  • wood stork
  • Florida scrub-jay
  • American oyster catcher
  • opossum pipefish
  • four-petal paw paw


Threats

  • From 1990 to 2000, population growth in the counties bordering the lagoon increased by 25 percent. 
  • Lagoon water quality and biological productivity have been affected by increased nutrient levels and other pollutants from stormwater runoff. 
  • An extensive system of drainage and agricultural canals has altered the natural mix of freshwater and saltwater in the lagoon, further degrading water quality.
  • Rapid development has led to the destruction and loss of mangrove and salt marsh habitat along the lagoon’s shoreline. 
  • An influx of invasive, non-native species, like Brazilian pepper and Australian pine, has further damaged native habitats.

oyster reef restoration in Mosquito Lagoon
Oyster reef restoration.
© Linda Walters
Conservancy Action
The Nature Conservancy is working at multiple levels to address the varied and complex threats to the Indian River Lagoon.

  • The Conservancy works with the state of Florida, local governments, water management districts, and local organizations and citizens to protect and manage critical natural areas along the lagoon and within the lagoon watershed. 
  • The Conservancy coordinates the Indian River Lagoon Blueway Project—a state effort to acquire more than 22,000 acres of buffer lands along the lagoon.
  • In Mosquito Lagoon, the Conservancy is coordinating an oyster restoration project developed by the University of Central Florida. The goal is to restore about 40 acres of oyster reef habitat within the Canaveral National Seashore. Download a fact sheet about the oyster reef restoration project.
  • Conservancy scientists are addressing the problems of invasive species in the region.

Blowing Rocks Preserve
The Conservancy’s Blowing Rocks Preserve is a 73-acre barrier island sanctuary bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon in Martin County. Its mile-long beach provides critical nesting habitat for sea turtles. It’s open to the public daily. Learn more about Blowing Rocks Preserve.

For More Information
For more information about the Conservancy’s effort to protect the Indian River Lagoon, call (321) 956-7711.