Glossary:Indian River Lagoon Observatory
From Indian River Lagoon Project
Indian River Lagoon Observatory (IRLO)
The Indian River Lagoon Observatory (IRLO), based at FAU Harbor Branch in Fort Pierce, Florida, is investigating the IRL’s plants, animals, and environment, and how natural and human-induced stressors impact them.
About Indian River Lagoon Observatory (IRLO)?
The goal of the Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute's Indian River Lagoon Observatory (IRLO) is to acquire and disseminate data and knowledge on the IRL critical to its ecological function and its sustainable management.
Essential elements of IRLO are:
- A long-term, ecosystem-based approach – The focus of current research is on the relationships of water quality, macroalgae, and seagrasses, all key components of the IRL ecosystem.
- A network of advanced observing stations – The Indian River Lagoon Observatory Network of Environmental Sensors (IRLON) consists of Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) units and weather sensors to provide real-time, high-accuracy, and high-resolution water quality/weather data through a dedicated interactive website.
- Collaboration among organizations – The center piece of IRLO’s collaborative efforts is the annual Indian River Lagoon Symposium, a forum for research on the IRL and its management to narrow the gaps between research and its application.
- Education and outreach – IRLO’s research is being disseminated widely to students and the public.
