Indian River Lagoon Questions
From Indian River Lagoon Project
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary.
What is the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP)?
Florida's Banana River, Indian River and Mosquito Lagoons were recognized as an Estuary of National Significance and placed in the Environmental Protection Agency's National Estuary Program in 1990. The Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP) is managed by the IRL Council, a special district of the State of Florida.
Where is the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary located?
From it's northern boundary in Volusia County, Florida, the 156 mile long IRL National Estuary ranges across Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin Counties, to it's southern boundary in Palm Beach County.
Coordinates: 28°03′19″N 80°34′34″W / 28.05528°N 80.57611°W / 28.05528; -80.57611
Is the Indian River Lagoon Estuary freshwater or saltwater?
The estuary's "brackish water" lagoons are a mixture of saltwater from five Atlantic Ocean inlets and freshwater from numerous wetlands, creeks, rivers and canals.
What is an Estuary?
Estuaries are bodies of water usually found where rivers meet the sea. Estuaries are home to unique plant and animal communities that have adapted to brackish water.
How long is the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary?
From it's northern boundary at Ponce de Leon Inlet in Volusia County, Florida to it's southern boundary at Jupiter Inlet in Palm Beach County, the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary is 156 miles long.
How big is the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary?
Averaging only 4' in depth and .5 to 5 miles wide, the 156 mile long Indian River Lagoon National Estuary covers 2,284 square miles, with a surface water area of 353 square miles.
