A Treasure Coast Gem
At Florida Oceanographic Society, we’re proud to call the St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon (IRL) our home waters. These beautiful, life-filled waterways are the heart of Florida’s Treasure Coast — and their story is one of both wonder and challenge.
Stretching more than 150 miles along Florida’s east coast, the Indian River Lagoon is one of the most diverse estuaries in North America. It connects with the St. Lucie Estuary near Stuart, where freshwater from rivers and canals meets saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean, creating a perfect home for fish, birds, oysters, seagrass, and countless other species.
But the history of these waterways shows just how closely people and nature are connected — and how one change upstream can ripple through the entire ecosystem.
A Natural Paradise
Long before cities, bridges, or boats, this region was a mosaic of mangroves, marshes, and seagrass meadows. Freshwater slowly flowed from the Kissimmee River Valley and Lake Okeechobee south into the Everglades, while rain and small creeks naturally drained east toward the St. Lucie River.
This slow-moving water kept the estuary balanced — salty enough for marine life, but fresh enough for oysters, fish, and seagrass to thrive. The lagoon’s sheltered waters provided nurseries for young fish and a resting place for migrating birds. It was, in every sense, a living treasure.
Learn more about the history of Lake Okeechobee →
The Flow Changes
In the early 1900s, engineers began digging canals to drain land for farming and development around Lake Okeechobee. One of those canals — the St. Lucie Canal (C-44) — created a direct link between Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie Estuary.
This changed everything. When lake levels rise, excess freshwater — often carrying nutrients and pollution from farms and towns — is released eastward into the estuary. These discharges upset the delicate balance of salt and fresh water, leading to seagrass loss, fish kills, and harmful algal blooms.
See how Lake Okeechobee discharges impact our waterways →
The Lagoon Under Pressure
Over time, development, pollution, and water mismanagement have taken a toll on the Indian River Lagoon. Runoff from lawns, farms, and streets adds excess nutrients, fueling algae growth that blocks sunlight and smothers seagrass beds — vital habitats for manatees, sea turtles, and countless fish species.
The St. Lucie Estuary, once known for its clear blue waters, has too often turned murky and green after large discharges from the lake. These changes affect not only wildlife but also local recreation, tourism, and the quality of life for coastal communities.
Learn more about how we monitor and restore seagrass →
Restoring Balance
Despite these challenges, there’s hope. Across Florida, scientists, conservationists, and community members are working together to restore the natural flow of water and improve the health of our estuaries.
At Florida Oceanographic Society, our team studies oyster reef and seagrass restoration, monitors water quality, and advocates for ecologically sensible water management through programs like the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM). Every visitor to the Coastal Center we educate brings us one step closer to a healthier lagoon.
Explore and visit the Coastal Center today →
Why It Matters
The St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon are more than just beautiful waterways — they are living systems that connect Florida’s heartland to the ocean. They provide homes for wildlife, protect our coast from erosion, and remind us that clean water is vital for all life.
By learning from the past and taking action today, we can protect these incredible places for generations to come.
At Florida Oceanographic Society, we’re proud to be part of that effort — through education, research, and advocacy that inspire our community to make a difference.
