Indian River Lagoon
Species Inventory
The Indian River Lagoon > Threats

Threats

Humans are drawn to the Indian River Lagoon estuary for many of the same reasons its abundance of wildlife is: a favorable climate, a coastal location, a wealth of natural resources. However, the increasing numbers of humans in the lagoon watershed over the last century has disrupted its fragile ecological balance.

Photo credit: J. Mandeville

The problems facing the lagoon are complex, ranging from changes in its water flow patterns, loss of habitat, degraded water and sediment quality, and losses of native species. At the same time, shifts in global climate patterns also threaten the estuary. Scientists and citizens across the region are engaged in a wide range of efforts to better understand, restore and protect the Indian River Lagoon’s unique ecology.

Mosquito Impoundments
Shoreline Development
Muck & Nutrients
Invasive Species
Extreme Weather
Climate Change
The Indian River Lagoon Species Inventory is a partner initiative of the Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce and
the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program.