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County reports strong seagrass recovery in Indian River Lagoon; plans additional plantings
Summary
Martin County environmental staff said recent dry-season conditions produced unusually strong seagrass growth and the county will plant about 40 more acres this year as part of lagoon restoration efforts.
Martin County environmental staff told a joint meeting that the county’s Indian River Lagoon restoration experiments are showing unusually positive seagrass growth. John Mayall, environmental resource administrator, said the recent dry season produced strong natural recruitment and successful plantings, and “it hasn't looked this good in probably since 02/2010.”
Mayall said continued flushing in the estuary and favorable conditions supported this growth despite releases from the C‑23 and C‑24 canals that temporarily lowered salinity in forks of the estuary. He said county plantings and natural recovery combined to produce improved coverage and that the county has begun a next round of plantings, planning about 40 additional acres this year and preparing grant applications for continued work.
Discussion only: Mayall described this as a progress update and experimental planting program; he framed continued success as dependent on environmental conditions and future funding, and staff are preparing grant proposals to continue the work.
Why it matters: Seagrass is a key ecological component for the estuary and nearshore reef, and improved coverage can indicate better habitat conditions for fisheries and water quality.
Ending: Mayall said staff will proceed with additional plantings and grant preparation to sustain the restoration work.
