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Molly Duerig/Central Florida Public MediaThe $4.2 million project aims to reduce erosion and restore living shoreline along the causeway, in addition to boosting water quality in the Indian River Lagoon. -
So far this year, state wildlife officials have recorded 83 deaths across the state through Feb. 9. That figure roughly tracks the number of deaths from the same period last year but is significantly better than 2021 or 2022, when more than 200 manatees died during the same period of about five weeks. Overall, Florida averages more than 700 deaths per year.
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Nutrient buildup from runoff, increased development and septic systems have led to harmful algal blooms in Indian River Lagoon. These blooms then decimate the seagrass, which is the manatee’s food source. -
The Indian River Lagoon’s algae bloom this year extended farther south into the lagoon than normal. -
Researchers are focused on exploring more sustainable restoration methods. -
The Brevard Zoo is breaking ground on a new manatee rehabilitation center after receiving a state grant and individual donations. -
The Indian River Lagoon saw a brief respite from massive algal blooms this year. But heavy rains from Hurricane Ian led to wastewater spills and stormwater outflows in yet another setback to water quality. Even so, natural resource managers say the lagoon's restoration is still attainable. -
After a record number of manatee deaths mostly linked to malnutrition, state and federal wildlife officials hope to double rescue and rehabilitation capacity before the sea cows again congregate in warm waters during the winter. -
Three people involved in Indian River Lagoon restoration efforts will offer updates and answer questions at Lagoon Straight Talk, a public event from 5:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 23 at Florida Tech’s Gleason Performing Arts Center. -
Florida Tech will receive vital funding in the 2022-23 state budget for equipment for its growing health sciences and advanced manufacturing programs and for ongoing efforts to help the Indian River Lagoon. -
Conservation groups sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Tuesday in federal court over last year’s record manatee die-off in Florida. -
Said one attorney: “It is painfully clear that Florida isn’t doing what’s necessary to control the sewage and fertilizer pollution that’s wrecking the Indian River Lagoon."
