IRLNews:2020/09/27/Marine Resources Council IRL Report Card Webinar
MRC Webinar Presentations
The Indian River Lagoon Observatory Network of Environmental Sensors (IRLON):
Addressing Emerging Environmental Issues in the Indian River Lagoon presented by M. Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D., Harbor Branch, Florida Atlantic University, Indian River Lagoon Observatory Director.
Indian River Lagoon Observatory at Harbor Branch Research Institute in Fort Pierce, Florida uses an estuarine observation network of land/ocean biogeochemical observatory (LOBO) units and weather sensors to provide real-time, high-accuracy, and high-resolution water quality/weather data through the dedicated interactive Indian River Lagoon Observatory Network website.
IRL Tributaries Health Update:
Tracking the Pollution Sources of the Lagoon presented by Dr. Leesa Souto, Marine Resources Council Executive Director.
Dr. Souto introduced MRC's new Indian River Lagoon Report Card, a science-based water quality rating system for the IRL. The MRC rates the lagoon's water quality based on Nitrogen and Phosphorus content, chlorophyll, turbidity, and seagrass growth.
In short, human-introduced Nitrogen & Phosphorus (nutrient pollution) fuels the growth of chlorophyll (algae), creating murky turbid water that blocks sunlight, preventing the growth of seagrass, the IRL's key indicator species.
Dr. Souto revealed the IRL's health scores with animated graphics that illustrated the estuary's demise through the years. While most IRL zones average a D grade with a 60% score, there are a few are in fair condition with a 70%+ score. Some areas, such as Turnbull Creek and Flounder Creek in the North IRL are flunking poorly with less than a 50% score.
