Space Coast Community, Nature Join Forces to Heal Indian River Lagoon in Brevard County

restoring degraded lagoon ecosystems

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Through a powerful blend of science, public support, and nature-based solutions, lagoon habitat restoration efforts are working to reverse decades of environmental decline.

Lagoon habitat restoration focuses on restoring degraded lagoon ecosystems by improving water quality, restoring critical habitats, like oyster reefs, and enhancing shoreline resilience.

These efforts are often multifaceted, involving public-private partnerships, community involvement, and a combination of ecological engineering, monitoring, and adaptive management.

Key aspects of lagoon habitat restoration are living shorelines

Living shorelines utilize natural materials like mangrove trees and shoreline grasses to stabilize shorelines, reduce erosion, and create new habitats for birds, fish, and other wildlife that feed in the shallow waters of the lagoon.

These solutions provide a natural alternative to manmade bulkheads and coquina seawalls. They absorb wave energy and can create a beach by slowing down waves and allowing the suspended sand to settle to the bottom. In severe storms, the more robust root structure of these natural shoreline plants helps prevent erosion by retaining soil.

The Federally funded Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, combined with the Brevard County Save Our Indian River Lagoon program, which is funded through a voter-approved ½ cent sales tax, is the primary funding source for restoration efforts in the Indian River Lagoon.

Brevard County SOIRL Program provides funding for local organizations to create and install Living Shorelines, oyster reefs, and clam rehabilitation

Public awareness and involvement are essential for the success of lagoon restoration projects. This includes volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and community-based monitoring initiatives.

● Local organizations that have volunteer opportunities:
● Brevard Zoo Restore Our Shore Program
● Volunteer opportunities 
● Oyster reef building
● Shoreline Plantings
● Clam distribution
● Marine Resources Council 
● Opportunities to manage growth and installation of Mangrove

Monitoring and Adaptive Management

Regular monitoring of water quality, habitat conditions, and the success of restoration efforts is crucial for assessing progress and making adjustments as needed. We are continuously learning how to create more resilient shorelines and techniques for rapidly deploying these solutions.

Recently, a new wave-breaking technology was installed along one of the Causeways to Cape Kennedy, which will prevent erosion and create a shallow beach area for horseshoe crabs to mate.

You can learn more about opportunities to volunteer and educate yourself on what you can do to help the lagoon at the website.

You can also sign up to become a member and receive regular updates on volunteer opportunities, as well as information about upcoming educational events sponsored by the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition, including dates and locations.

The Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition is a leading, independent advocate for a healthy Lagoon. The non-profit, non-partisan Coalition brings together organizations, businesses, and individuals who share the goal of supporting restoration of the Lagoon.

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