The Indian River Lagoon system is the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the United States. It is responsible for over $3.7 billion in economic output and is home to over 50 threatened and endangered species. The quality of the Lagoon system is in peril and needs your help. 

One of the issues is loss of seagrass. Seagrass beds are vital to our waterways as they provide nutrients and shelter to hundreds of species of animals, help stabilize the substrate, and maintain water quality. 

Extensive damage to seagrass beds from boat propellers, known as prop scars, are prevalent throughout the Mosquito Lagoon. Our goal is to protect sensitive aquatic vegetation and improve the quality of fishing by establishing new pole and troll zones on the damaged seagrass beds.

Pole and Troll zones limit the access of internally combusted engines. They have been established in other areas of Florida, including other parts of the Mosquito Lagoon. Limiting access to seagrass beds by drifting, wading, poling, and using electric trolling motors have proven effective to renewing seagrass.

We are proposing four new pole and troll zones to be established in the Lagoon. The areas of concern are the seagrass beds of Orange Island, Gaines Island, Plantation Island, and Middle Island.