One Lagoon - Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

06/02/2026

Many people ask whether the Lagoon is actually improving.

The honest answer is: some things are improving, while others remain challenging.

One encouraging sign comes from recent monitoring by the St. Johns River Water Management District, which found increases in seagrass coverage in several parts of the Indian River Lagoon. https://www.sjrwmd.com/2026/05/district-releases-updated-seagrass-data-showing-continued-expansion/

Seagrass is a key indicator of lagoon health, but it is only one indicator. Recovery is not happening everywhere at the same pace, and many restoration challenges remain.

We believe it's important to share both progress and setbacks as we work toward a healthier Lagoon.

06/01/2026

Get outdoors this June with St. Lucie County's award-winning Guided Nature Program! On Saturday, June 6, celebrate National Trails Day with a hike through Ancient Oaks Preserve. Sign up for this program and many more at www.slchikes.org

06/01/2026

New Anchoring Limitation Areas (ALA) within Fort Pierce Inlet!

Did you know St. Lucie County and the City of Fort Pierce have established Anchoring
Limitation Areas (A.L.A.) within Fort Pierce Inlet?

Under the new ALA, which officially goes into effect Monday, June 1, a person may not anchor a vessel for more than 45 consecutive days in any six-month period in any anchoring limitation area without leaving all anchoring limitation areas for at least 24 hours.

To learn more about the new anchoring limitations, please visit: www.StLucieCo.Gov/ALA

06/01/2026

Monday morning note:

Our friend Egg suggests you take your time and ease into the day…

05/31/2026

🚨 REMINDER: Summer Fertilizer Bans Begin June 1 Across Most of the Indian River Lagoon Watershed 🚨

Starting tomorrow, June 1, summer fertilizer restrictions take effect in most counties, cities, and towns throughout the Indian River Lagoon watershed.

These ordinances are designed to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus washing into our waterways during Florida's rainy season. Excess nutrients fuel algae blooms that damage seagrass, harm wildlife, and degrade water quality in the Indian River Lagoon.

🌿 We know some residents question whether fertilizer bans are fair when there are many other sources of nutrient pollution impacting the Lagoon. That's a valid concern. Septic systems, wastewater infrastructure, stormwater runoff, legacy sediments, agricultural runoff, and other sources also contribute nutrients to the system and require continued attention and investment.

At the same time, fertilizer ordinances were never intended to be the only solution. They are one tool among many.

Reducing nutrient pollution from residential landscapes during the rainy season is a practical step that communities can take while broader restoration efforts continue.

Protecting the Indian River Lagoon requires action from everyone: homeowners, businesses, farmers, developers, local governments, state agencies, and environmental organizations alike. No single action will restore the balance between algae & seagrass in the Lagoon, but many actions working together can make a meaningful difference.

📍 Residents should check the specific ordinance that applies where they live, as requirements can vary somewhat by county, city, and town.

💧 Every pound of nutrients kept out of the water is one less pound available to fuel algae blooms.

💚 Thank you to everyone who does their part to help reduce nutrient pollution and protect the Indian River Lagoon for future generations.

05/30/2026

Connecting with the Community at Sebastian Main Street Boat Ramp

Heather Stapleton, Community Engagement Coordinator with the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP), and Andrea Lazzari, Director of the Indian River County IFAS Extension, spent time at the Sebastian Main Street boat ramp engaging with local residents, boaters, anglers, and visitors.

The pair shared information about the health of the Indian River Lagoon and introduced community members to the Florida Sea Grant 's program Eyes on Seagrass (https://www.flseagrant.org/citizenscience/eyes-on-seagrass/) a citizen science initiative that empowers residents to help monitor seagrass conditions throughout the lagoon (and the state!).

These conversations are an important part of building awareness and encouraging community involvement in protecting one of Florida's most valuable natural resources. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more, ask questions, and share their experiences on the water!

💚 Healthy seagrass means a healthier lagoon for fish, wildlife, recreation, and future generations.

05/28/2026

We're talking to our friends Sea & Shoreline on the next installment of What's Up in the Watershed! Register at https://onelagoon.org/webinars/

05/27/2026

05/25/2026

Take a moment to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Remember and Honor.

05/23/2026

Happy World Turtle Day! 🐢💙

From the creeks and rivers of the watershed to the sparkling waters of the Indian River Lagoon, every drop matters for the turtles that call this ecosystem home. Healthy wetlands, clean runoff, and protected shorelines help support sea turtles, terrapins, and countless other species that depend on this remarkable estuary.

Today, let’s celebrate these ancient mariners by protecting the waters that connect us all. Reduce pollution, plant native landscaping, conserve water, and support restoration efforts throughout the lagoon’s watershed.

Because when we care for the watershed, we care for the lagoon and the turtles too. 🌎🐢