Indian River Lagoon Facts: Difference between revisions
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==Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Facts== | ==Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Facts== | ||
* The 156 mile long [[Indian River Lagoon Estuary|Indian River Lagoon National Estuary]] watershed covers an area of 2,284 square miles with 353 square miles of water surface area.<ref name="SJRWMDIRLfacts"> | * The 156 mile long [[Indian River Lagoon Estuary|Indian River Lagoon National Estuary]] watershed covers an area of 2,284 square miles with 353 square miles of water surface area.<ref name="SJRWMDIRLfacts" /> | ||
* The national estuary spans six Florida East Coast counties: Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach County. 71% of the national estuary lies within Brevard County. | * The national estuary spans six Florida East Coast counties: Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach County. 71% of the national estuary lies within Brevard County. | ||
* Mosquito, Banana River, and Indian River brackish water lagoons are the main water bodies in the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary. | * Mosquito, Banana River, and Indian River brackish water lagoons are the main water bodies in the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary. | ||
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* The national estuary has a 4ft average depth with large shallow flats under 2ft deep. Dredged channels, basins, and canals are deeper. The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) channel is maintained at an average 10-12ft depth by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. | * The national estuary has a 4ft average depth with large shallow flats under 2ft deep. Dredged channels, basins, and canals are deeper. The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) channel is maintained at an average 10-12ft depth by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. | ||
* 2,100 plant and 2,200 animal species are found in the national estuary.<ref name="SJRWMDIRLfacts" /> | * 2,100 plant and 2,200 animal species are found in the national estuary.<ref name="SJRWMDIRLfacts" /> | ||
* The national estuary contains 27 percent of eastern Florida’s coastal salt marshes.<ref name="SJRWMDIRLfacts"> | * The national estuary contains 27 percent of eastern Florida’s coastal salt marshes.<ref name="SJRWMDIRLfacts" /> | ||
* The Indian River Lagoon fishery generates $30 million in revenues, providing 50% of the annual fish harvest on Florida's East Coast.<ref name="SJRWMDIRLfacts"> | * The Indian River Lagoon fishery generates $30 million in revenues, providing 50% of the annual fish harvest on Florida's East Coast.<ref name="SJRWMDIRLfacts" /> | ||
Revision as of 08:52, October 11, 2020
Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Facts
- The 156 mile long Indian River Lagoon National Estuary watershed covers an area of 2,284 square miles with 353 square miles of water surface area.[1]
- The national estuary spans six Florida East Coast counties: Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach County. 71% of the national estuary lies within Brevard County.
- Mosquito, Banana River, and Indian River brackish water lagoons are the main water bodies in the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary.
- Five saltwater Atlantic Ocean inlets connect to the national estuary: Ponce de Leon, Sebastian, Ft. Pierce, St. Lucie, and Jupiter inlets. Ponce de Leon and Jupiter are natural inlets, the other three are man-made cuts through the barrier island.
- Major freshwater tributaries feeding the Indian River Lagoon include the Eau Gallie, St. Sebastian, St. Lucie, and Loxahatchee rivers.
- The national estuary has a 4ft average depth with large shallow flats under 2ft deep. Dredged channels, basins, and canals are deeper. The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) channel is maintained at an average 10-12ft depth by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- 2,100 plant and 2,200 animal species are found in the national estuary.[1]
- The national estuary contains 27 percent of eastern Florida’s coastal salt marshes.[1]
- The Indian River Lagoon fishery generates $30 million in revenues, providing 50% of the annual fish harvest on Florida's East Coast.[1]
Mosquito Lagoon Facts
- Mosquito Lagoon is located in Volusia and Brevard Counties.
- Second largest lagoon in the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary
- Majority lies within federal property that includes Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Canaveral National Seashore, and Kennedy Space Center.
- Designated as an "Outstanding Florida Water" by the State of Florida.
- Northern portion is a Florida Aquatic Preserve
Banana River Facts
- Banana River lagoon lies within Brevard County
- Smallest lagoon in the National Estuary
- Northern portion lies within Kennedy Space Center and is not open to the public.
- Banana River north of SR528 is a No-Motor Zone manatee preserve.
- Home to Annie the Dragon
Indian River Facts
- Indian River lies within 5 Florida East Coast counties: Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach County.
- 121 mile long Indian River is the largest lagoon in the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary.
- Four Atlantic Ocean inlets: Sebastian, Ft. Pierce, Jupiter, and Palm Beach
- Freshwater rivers: Eau Gallie River, St. Sebastian, St. Lucie, Loxahatchee
- Freshwater feeder creeks include: Turnbull, Addison, Crane, Turkey Creek, Goat, Kid, Trout, Crawford, and Taylor.
Web Links
- Harbor Branch - IRL Facts and Figures
- St. Johns River Water Management District - Fast facts about the Indian River Lagoon
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 SJRWMD - IRL Fast Facts, Retrieved: October 11, 2020
