a fisherman in a red shirt casting a net into the water
A fisherman collects bait in the Indian River Lagoon, a vital estuary supporting both recreation and marine life.

Turning the tide: District projects restoring the Indian River Lagoon

Spanning 156 miles along 40% of Florida’s east coast, the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) has long been one of the state’s most iconic and ecologically rich waterways. From Ponce de Leon Inlet in Volusia County to the southern edge of Martin County, the lagoon has shaped the identity, economy and environment of the region. Its beauty and biodiversity have supported generations of families, businesses and communities alike.

Over time, the lagoon experienced increased environmental stress. Nutrient enrichment, algal blooms and habitat loss affected the ecosystem, contributing to declining water quality. Seagrass coverage declined significantly, raising concerns about the long-term health of the system.

Even so, the lagoon has shown resilience. With strong leadership, science-based restoration efforts, and community support, the conditions are beginning to improve.

The St. Johns River Water Management District (District) is a helping to lead the charge alongside partners across the Indian River Lagoon and Upper St. Johns River Basin (IRL/USJRB), in the ongoing effort to restore and protect the system. Guided by the 2017 Indian River Lagoon Feasibility Study, and its update in 2024, projects are underway to reduce nutrient inputs at the source, reconnect natural hydrology and revive critical habitats.

One of the most visible signs of this is the Crane Creek/M-1 Canal Flow Restoration Project in Melbourne. Designed to restore historic freshwater flow patterns and reduce nutrient loading before it reaches the lagoon, this project is a cornerstone of the District’s restoration strategy, bringing immediate benefits to the interconnected watersheds of the IRL and the Upper St. Johns River.

Aerial view of the C-10 water management area

Aerial view looking north over the proposed C-10 Water Management Area — a future 1,300-acre water quality project.

Building off the Crane Creek/M-1 Canal project is the next phase of restoration with the planned C-10 Water Management Area (WMA), a transformative 1,300-acre surface water management area now entering development and design. Located in Brevard County, the C-10 WMA project aims to restore historic freshwater flows currently being diverted from the St. Johns River to the IRL via the C-1 Canal.  Once operational, C-10 WMA is expected to remove over 29,000 pounds of nitrogen and 1,300 pounds of phosphorus annually, while restoring 8 million gallons of historic daily flow; substantially benefiting both the river and the lagoon.

“The C-10 project builds on the momentum, targeting nutrient reduction and restoring historic flow,” said Executive Director Dr. Duane De Freese, of the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP). “It’s a critical step forward for the health of both the St. Johns River and Indian River Lagoon.”

These nutrient-reduction projects are laying the groundwork for ecological revival, especially seagrasses, an essential part of the IRL’s health. The District supports this through their collaborative seagrass mapping program that tracks progress and guides restoration efforts; as well as with the seagrass seed bank studies with the Florida Institute of Technology. Together, these efforts help guide adaptive management strategies and identify areas where restoration is having a measurable impact.

Farther north, the Moore Creek restoration project, funded in part by a NOAA grant through the IRLNEP, is reshaping a key tributary of the Indian River Lagoon. Projects like this will help restore the natural hydrology of the impounded wetlands offering a more resilient environment.

“The Moore Creek project is a strong example of how local, state, and federal partners can work together to restore estuarine habitats,” discussed District strategic planning basin coordinator, Melisa Diolosa “We’re proud to support initiatives like this that bring tangible, science-based results to the Indian River Lagoon.”

In the southern part of the system, collaboration with the Fellsmere Joint Venture demonstrates the value of public-private partnerships. Their privately operated water treatment facility filters agricultural runoff, reducing nutrient loads before they reach the watershed and complementing the District’s broader restoration work throughout the IRL/USJRB.

These projects, and many others across the IRL/USJRB, signal a clear shift in the lagoon’s story. As a lead agency restoring water and habitat across the region, the District is turning momentum into meaningful change. With continued collaboration, science-backed solutions and strong community commitment, the tide is indeed changing.