"From the time of the Ais Indians, the Indian River Lagoon has been and remains an important feature that continues to shape the lives of those that reside near it, recreate within it, and earn a livelihood from it."

Laura Herren, Aquatic Preserve Manager

Location:

St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach counties

Acreage:

22,000 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

• The Indian River Lagoon is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in the nation.
   
• One of 28 estuaries in the country in Environmental Protection Agency's National Estuary Program, the Indian River Lagoon is the only estuary with this designation (1990) on the east coast of Florida.
   
• Supports seagrass beds, mangroves, drift algae, salt marshes, oyster bars, tidal flats, and spoil islands which serve as important spawning and/or nursery grounds for commercially important species, such as shrimp, groupers, snappers, snook and drum.
   
• Popular activities include boating, recreational and commercial fishing, wildlife observation, snorkeling, and photography.
   
• Spoil islands provide visitors with camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking, snorkeling, and birding opportunities.