Is the Indian River Lagoon dying?

Is the Indian River Lagoon dying?

A record-breaking number of manatees are dying in the Indian River Lagoon in Central Florida. Scientists say they’re starving to death because poor water quality is killing the seagrass they eat. Now, local governments are moving fast to clean the water.

What animals live in the Indian River Lagoon?

What wildlife will you see in the Indian River lagoon?

• Dolphins. Dolphins are common and easy to spot around the river estuary, coast, and lagoon.
• Nurse Sharks.
• Sea Turtles.
• Snowy Egrets.
• Great Blue Herons.
• Roseate Spoonbills.
• Brown Pelicans.
• Tarpon.

Why are manatees dying in Florida?

“We’re uncertain how long it’s (high manatee deaths) going to be.” The reason? Seagrass on which the so-called sea cows depend also is dying as water quality declines due to fertilizer runoff, wastewater discharges and polluted water that is increasingly diverted on purpose from Lake Okeechobee to coastal estuaries.

Are manatees in the Indian River?

Nearly 53% of dead manatees this year were found in one of the five counties the Iagoon runs through: Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin. The overwhelming majority has been in Brevard, where a record 312 manatees have died.

Where is the Indian River Lagoon?

Located on a barrier island south of Melbourne, this preserve protects the watershed of the Indian River Lagoon. The most biologically diverse estuary in North America, the lagoon has been designated an Outstanding Florida Water and an Estuary of National Significance.

Are there bull sharks in the Indian River?

The Indian River Lagoon is a bull shark nursery, according to the University of Florida. Vinson said the area is well-known for seasonal bull sharks.

Is it safe to swim in the Indian River Lagoon?

Florida Health Department lifts bacteria warning at lagoon at Jaycee Park in Fort Pierce. It’s safe to swim in the Indian River Lagoon at Jaycee Park in Fort Pierce again. Potential health risks for people who ingest or come in contact with the water include upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rashes.

What are manatees predators?

Manatees don’t really have any real predators. Sharks or killer whales or alligators or crocodiles could eat them, but since they don’t usually inhabit the same waters, this is pretty rare. Their biggest threat is from humans. And because of this, all manatee species are endangered and threatened.

Where can you see manatees on the Indian River?

Round Island Park This park has access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. You’re also almost guaranteed to see a manatee! There are trails, boardwalks and an observation tower. This is a favorite spot for locals and visitors to launch their kayaks or canoes.

What is happening to Florida manatees?

Why are they dying? More manatees have already died in 2021 than any other year in Florida’s history, as biologists point to seagrass loss in the Indian River Lagoon as a catalyst for starvation and malnutrition.

Are there sharks in the Indian River Lagoon?

Why are the manatees in Indian River Lagoon endangered?

Indian River Lagoon is a special and fragile place. It’s one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the Northern Hemisphere, home to 35 species that are endangered or threatened. Nearly a third of Florida’s manatees spend some time in the lagoon each year, but the large die-off of seagrass has left them without enough to eat.

Where are all the manatees dying in Florida?

Most of the deaths are in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon, where a large die-off of seagrass has left manatees without enough to eat. Indian River Lagoon isn’t actually a river. It’s a large estuary bounded by barrier islands on Florida’s Atlantic coast, extending more than 150 miles from Cape Canaveral to Stuart.

Where do manatees go in the winter time?

Manatees don’t do well in cold water, which is why they congregate during the winter months in Indian River Lagoon and other warm coastal areas. Now that it is warming up, scientists say manatees are beginning to disperse to other areas along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts where they may find ample seagrass.

Are there any seagrass beds for manatees in Florida?

Working on a grant from the National Estuary program, Sea and Shoreline planted two acres of a resilient species of seagrass last June. A year later, it’s thriving. Similar replanting efforts helped bring back healthy seagrass beds in Crystal River, another manatee habitat in Florida.