South Florida Environment

Some of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the country are located in the state of Florida. Florida is home to the Kissimmee River, Lake Okeechobee, and the Everglades water system, and the research and restoration efforts of Florida Oceanographic Society are helping to ensure the quality and health of these environments in South Florida.

The Treasure Coast borders the Atlantic Ocean and is home to the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary and the St. Lucie River Estuary. The proximity of the Gulf Stream to the East Coast of Florida adds richness to the biodiversity of species found in the Treasure Coast. Local estuaries contain rich mangrove swamps and seagrass beds, which serve as nurseries for many prized game fish. Florida's long coastlines, warm waters, and hearty marine ecosystems of reefs and seagrasses provide the perfect habitat for sea turtles. Of the five species of sea turtles found in Florida waters, three species nest primarily on the shorelines of Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, and Broward counties.

For more information, please view the documents below:

• St. Lucie Inlet
• Indian River Lagoon 
• Mangroves
• Impounded Salt Marshes & Mangrove Swamps 
• Seagrass 
• Eastern Oyster
• Sabellariid Worm Reefs 
• Barrier Islands
• Sand Dunes
• Artificial Reefs
• Hurricanes