National Estuaries Week is celebrated every year during the last full week of September. In 2026, it takes place September 20-26. This special week recognizes the important role estuaries play in supporting wildlife, local economies, and coastal communities.
What Is an Estuary?
An estuary is a place where freshwater from rivers, streams, and canals meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean. This mix creates a unique environment that supports many kinds of plants and animals. Estuaries are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth because they provide food, shelter, and breeding areas for wildlife.
Thousands of species depend on estuaries, including fish, birds, mammals, and other aquatic animals. Estuaries also help protect shorelines from storms, waves, and erosion. They provide opportunities for fishing, boating, birdwatching, and many other outdoor activities.
The Indian River Lagoon: Our Local Estuary
The Indian River Lagoon is one of Florida’s most important natural resources. It stretches 156 miles along Florida’s east coast and is considered one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America. More than 4,000 species of plants and animals live in or depend on the lagoon.
The lagoon is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by barrier islands, which help create the calm, shallow waters that many species need to survive.
Why the Lagoon Matters
The Indian River Lagoon does much more than provide habitat for wildlife. It also benefits people in many ways.
Natural areas around the lagoon help store floodwater, reduce flooding, filter pollutants from water, and protect shorelines from storms. Wetlands and mangroves act like natural barriers, helping keep coastal communities safer.
The lagoon also supports activities that people enjoy, such as fishing, boating, and spending time along the shoreline. Its natural beauty enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Supporting Our Economy
A healthy lagoon is good for local businesses and jobs. Activities such as recreational fishing, boating, tourism, commercial fishing, and natural resource management contribute billions of dollars to the regional economy each year. These industries support more than 128,000 jobs throughout the area.
The lagoon’s natural beauty also contributes to property values, tourism, and community pride, making it an important part of life along Florida’s east coast.
Good News for Seagrass
There is encouraging news for the Indian River Lagoon. Scientists have documented a significant increase in seagrass coverage in recent years. By 2025, approximately 17,000 hectares of seagrass were growing in the lagoon, an increase of more than 7,000 hectares since 2023.
Seagrass is often called the foundation of a healthy estuary. It produces oxygen, helps keep water clear, stabilizes bottom sediments, and provides food and shelter for many animals, including fish, shrimp, crabs, and manatees.
The return of seagrass is a positive sign that water quality is improving in many parts of the lagoon and that restoration efforts are making a difference.
A Time to Celebrate
National Estuaries Week is a great opportunity to learn about and appreciate the Indian River Lagoon. Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, wildlife watching, or simply spending time outdoors, the lagoon provides benefits that support both people and nature. By understanding its value and helping protect it, we can ensure that future generations continue to enjoy this remarkable ecosystem.
References
National Estuaries Week highlights the importance of protecting the Indian River Lagoon
About the Indian River Lagoon, Florida | One Lagoon
2025 IRL Economic Valuation study executive summary
2025 IRL Economic Valuation Economic Report
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