"The Indian River lagoon, America's most diverse and beautiful estuary, is vital to our economy and environment, yet its future is uncertain. Preserving and protecting the lagoon is beneficial to ours and future generations."

Richard Baker
President of Pelican Island Audubon Society

Location:

Brevard and Indian River counties

Acreage:

28,000 acres of sovereign submerged lands

Contact:

Brian Sharpe
Aquatic Preserve Manager
3300 Lewis Street
Fort Pierce, FL 34981
(772) 429-2995
Brian.Sharpe@dep.state.fl.us

• Turkey Creek and the St. Sebastian River are the main freshwater tributaries of the aquatic preserve.
   
• The tidal influence of the Sebastian Inlet and wind driven currents provide flushing of the aquatic preserve and regulate its salinity.
   
• This aquatic preserve is characterized by the overlap of temperate and subtropical zones along with the convergence of fresh and brackish water systems that create a highly diverse ecosystem.
   
• The Indian River Lagoon is America's most diverse estuary. There are over 400 species of fish, 260 species of mollusks and 479 species of shrimp and crabs.
   
• Public uses include boating, swimming, fishing, clamming, sail boarding, kayaking, and manatee, dolphin, and bird watching.