Chart a SEA Change
SCIENCE + EDUCATION + ADVOCACY
Together, we are working to protect,
restore, unite, and promote the Indian River Lagoon
coastal community of east central Florida,
one of our Earth’s rarest and most
valuable natural treasures.
Science
Education
Advocacy
Science
Education
Advocacy
LID Conference Call for Abstracts
Abstract submission is open for MRC’s 6th annual Low Impact Development Conference. This year’s theme is LID as a shared solution among municipalities, developers, and communities. We are soliciting abstracts focused on Public-Private Partnerships, Community-Driven Infrastructure, Tools, Technology, & Maintenance, HOAs & Residential Communities, Policy & Governance Innovations, and Equity & Access.
Registation is also available for exhibitors and sponsors. These opportunites allow for increased visibility and recognition, networking with potentia customers, partners, and industry peers, and lead generation. Register today to secure your spot and take full advantage of marketing opportunities.
Individual registration opens August 1, 2026
Youth Action Assembly
Over our 40+ year history, Marine Resources Council (MRC) has hosted 21 Community Action Assemblies. These are modeled after the American Assembly originated by Dwight Eisenhower at Columbia University — a think tank bringing together stakeholders to talk about policy challenges and solutions. Past MRC Action Assemblies have focused on communication, land planning, critical impact areas, seagrass, and more. This 2026 Assembly will be our 22nd and we want to hear from you!
This assembly is open to youth grades 7-12 who live, study, work, or spend time in the Indian River Lagoon watershed. You don’t need a science background. You don’t need prior activism experience. You do need to care about where you live and be willing to work alongside others who feel the same. Whether you’re a reader, a surfer, an artist, an athlete, or someone who has simply noticed that something feels wrong with the water — this assembly was built for you.
LagoonWatch 2.0 has launched!
Just in time for the 35th anniversary of monitoring water quality in the Indian River Lagoon, MRC’s LagoonWatch program is rolling out upgrades! With your help, we’ve modernizing the tools our dedicated volunteers use for their bi-weekly sampling. These improvements bring the program up to current state data standards and make monitoring easier and more impactful than ever.
Updating the program also means more community reports on the health of the Indian River Lagoon. We are now featuring monthly LagoonWatch snapshots on water temperatures, pH, salinity, and nutrients across the Lagoon and will be able to include our citizen science data in the annual IRL Healht Report for the first time!
New: Advocacy Tips & Tricks
Advocacy is an essential part of safeguarding our environment for future generations. Providing input on decision-making at all levels of government is the best way to take part in the democratic process and be a voice for the environment. Like anything, effective advocacy communication takes practice. To help, Marine Resources Council is providing tips and tricks on how to speak up and ensure your voice is heard. We’re providing you with a toolkit for formulating in-person and written comments on our advocacy resources page.
2025 Indian River Lagoon Report
The Report is an annual health assessment of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and is the evolution of the Marine Resources Council (MRC) Report Card, first published in 2016. This year, MRC scientists gathered data from partner and government organizations to assess six Lagoon health indicators across all Lagoon basins: harmful algae, seagrass coverage, salinity, sediment health, wastewater spills, and water quality.
Learn about Low Impact Living
Low Impact Living builds on the principles of sustainable land development (Low Impact Development) by adding individual action. We’re employing education, empowerment, advocacy, and demonstrations to encourage Lagoon-friendly living on all scales: individual, family, community, and municipal. Check back as we add more information, resources, and tips-and-tricks to the website.
Interested in a presentation to your community group? Contact Dr. Laura Wilson at Laura@mrcirl.org.
Ted Moorhead, Lagoon Legend
Ted Moorhead was the first Legend of the Indian River Lagoon. Our Lagoon House is named after Ted, who dedicated his life to protecting the Indian River Lagoon, work that we strive to continue every single day. Click to watch Ted tell his legendary story!
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