South Indian River Lagoon
The 2024 health assessment for the Southern Indian River Lagoon is “okay” with variability across the five health indicators. Harmful algae concentrations were low (which is “good”!) and the limited sediment health data indicate “good” sediment quality. Water quality was “okay” in 2024 with numerous wastewater spills into the Lagoon. There was a slight decrease in seagrass across the basin from 2023 to 2024.
Harmful Algal Blooms
From August 1, 2023 to August 1, 2024, the South Indian River Lagoon experienced no harmful algal bloom events. The median value of chlorophyll-a concentration for the year was 4.1 ug/L with an average concentration value of 7.0 ug/L. This earns a “good” assessment.
Seagrass Coverage
Compared to 2023, seagrass coverage declined slightly in 2024. Consequently, the South Indian River Lagoon earned a “poor” assessment for 2024 seagrass coverage.
Sediment Health
Sediment quality data for the South Indian River Lagoon were provided by the Smithsonian Fort Pierce Marine Station. Although the data are limited, the locations sampled show good sediment condition. This is good news for the possibility of future seagrass growth.
Wastewater Spills
From 2023 to 2024, there were 79 wastewater spills that affected the South IRL watershed with seven releasing into the Lagoon. All seven of those spills (between 950 and 10,500 gallons) were untreated wastewater.
Water Quality
Water quality in the South Indian River Lagoon was assessed as “okay” based on averaging the pH, turbidity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll-a values in the basin. The South IRL earned a “good” for pH, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll-a, “okay” for total phosphorus, and “poor” for turbidity and total nitrogen.
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Marine Resources Council (MRC) coordinates Lagoon-wide efforts to Save the Indian River Lagoon, but we need your support to succeed. It will take a community to save the Lagoon, working at all levels.
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