How Many Lagoons Make Up The Indian River Lagoon?

How Many Lagoons Make Up The Indian River Lagoon?

Did you know that the Indian River lagoon on The Atlantic coast of Florida is really a group of three lagoons? Yes that’s true. Together the Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River and Indian River make up the Indian River Lagoon. The Indian River Lagoon or estuary is separated from the Atlantic coast by the barrier islands. The Indian River Lagoon is 156 miles long, it extends from Ponce De Leon Inlet in Volusia County, to the southern border of Martin county. The Indian River Lagoon is connected to the ocean by a few ocean inlets and this allows the saltwater to mix with the fresh water which comes from runoff from the surrounding land as well as from the rainfall. Any changes in the amount of freshwater, or pollutants or sudden changes in temperatures affects the marine life and vegetation of the lagoon.

The Lagoon is home to over 2000 species of marine life and over 2000 species of vegetation. The inlets are really picturesque. One such beautiful view is on A1A near Sebastian Inlet. As you drive on A1A over the Sebastian National Park, you see the ocean waves on one side of A1A and the quiet waters of the lagoon on the other side of A1A. It is quite a sight!

Here in Brevard County, Florida the view on the lagoon is never the same! You may see a dolphin jumping out of the water one minute and ducks swimming by another and then maybe a pelican diving in to catch a fish. Next maybe a water skier behind a boat and next a sail boat perhaps. In the spring time it is exciting to see schools of newborn fish swimming in a zigzag fashion on the lagoon floor. I have had the opportunity to see more than one sting ray on the lagoon floor. Some areas of the lagoon have been identified as Manatee zones and boats have to run on idle speed in these areas to protect the manatees. The Indian River Lagoon is also known to have a diverse variety of bird population as its inhabitants.

Many of the waterfront homes in Merritt Island, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic and Melbourne Beach are on the Indian River or the Banana River. Many of the homes on exclusive Lansing Island are on the Banana River and the lovely and exclusive Tortoise Island subdivision has homes on both the Banana River and Indian River. Residents with waterfront homes on the lagoon have a responsibility to avoid unnecessary and over fertilization of their lawns as fertilizer that is washed into the lagoon is harmful to its health. Wetlands should be preserved as they help cleanse the lagoon.