Lagoon Minute

DIVERSITY OF LIFE IN THE LAGOON

What do manatees, horseshoe crabs, sea turtles and dolphins have in common? They all live in our Indian River Lagoon. More than 2,000 types of plants, 600 species of fish and 300 kinds of birds live in the Lagoon for at least part of their lives. It’s no surprise that scientists say our lagoon is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America, with approximately 4,000 species. Plus, there are more than 50 threatened or endangered species here, including wood storks, eastern indigo snakes and red cockaded woodpeckers.

Bioluminescence

Kayaking or canoeing after dark in the summer, you may see the Lagoon glowing.

The water grows brighter with the heat and the experience is magical.

You are likely to see dolphin and mullet outlined in phosphorescence or streaking fish creating watery fireworks as they flash by.

THE LAGOON IS NOT A RIVER