The Indian River Lagoon is 156 miles long and makes up 40% of Florida’s eastern coast. Within Indian River County, the Lagoon acts as a barrier between the mainland and the barrier island. The Lagoon is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via 5 inlets, with the Sebastian Inlet directly to the north and the Fort Pierce Inlet directly to the south of Indian River County. The Indian River Lagoon is part of the National Estuary Program and is considered an estuary of national significance
The major function of the Indian River Lagoon Management Program is to develop and implement long-term planning efforts, assessments, research and construction projects related to enhancing the health of the Indian River Lagoon. These projects include interdepartmental coordination and execution of nutrient removal, shoreline restoration, education, and planning for the resiliency of our inshore coastal line.