North Indian River Lagoon
The 2026 health assessment for the North Indian River Lagoon is “Large Improvement.” This is an improvement from the 2025 health assessment due to improved water quality and algal bloom conditions this year.
Algal Blooms
Chlorophyll-a data collected between August 1, 2025 to August 1, 2026 show the North Indian River Lagoon experienced algal bloom conditions 40.9% of the time, with most of that time in low bloom conditions. The median chlorophyll-a concentration in the basin for the year was 10.68 µg/L, earning a “good” for the year.
Salinity
From August 2025 to August 2026, median salinity in the North Indian River Lagoon was at levels that support peak growth of oysters, clams, and at least two species of seagrass (median= 21.10 ppt). This is higher than median salinity reported in 2025. In this case, high salinity is better for seagrass, oyster, and clam growth.
Seagrass
The North Indian River Lagoon saw a “large increase” in seagrass coverage for the 2026 assessment, adding to the increase reported in the 2025 assessment. Based on St. Johns River Water Management District mapping data, seagrass coverage changed from 580 acres in 2023 to 8,505 acres present in 2025 for a 1,366% increase in coverage. Mapping data are taken every two years and 2027 coverage will be available in the spring of 2028.
Sediment Health
Sediment health data points for the North Indian River Lagoon came from MRC, Florida Institute of Technology, and Smithsonian Fort Pierce Marine Station research. Sediment health is still too limited across the whole basin to draw meaningful conclusions. However, available sediment data indicate good overall soil health, which is good news for potential seagrass growth.
Wastewater Spills
From August 2025 to August 2026, there were 27 wastewater spills that affected the North Indian River Lagoon watershed with seven releasing into the Lagoon. Of those seven spills, two released a total of approximately 5,400 gallons of untreated wastewater, and five released approximately 1,919,746 gallons of treated wastewater.
Water Quality
Water quality in the North Indian River Lagoon was assessed as “fair” in 2026, like in 2025. The health indicator assessment is based on averaging the pH, turbidity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll-a scores in the basin. While turbidity and phosphorus concentrations increased, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll-a concentrations improved.
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