Restoring Seagrass to Strengthen the Indian River Lagoon
Indian River County is taking another important step toward protecting and restoring the Indian River Lagoon through a major seagrass restoration effort at Big Slough and Preacher’s Hole. Through a NOAA Transformational Habitat Grant awarded through the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, Indian River County and its project partner, Sea & Shoreline, are restoring native seagrass in two locations within the County. The project is designed to restore essential fish habitat, improve ecosystem function, enhance water quality, reduce erosion, and increase the lagoon’s resilience.
The restoration work has already resulted in the planting of approximately 32.8 acres of seagrass. At Big Slough, 12.8 acres were completed on June 13, 2025, using 64,000 seagrass planting units, 1,600 peat pots, and 320 herbivory exclusion devices. At Preacher’s Hole, an additional 20 acres were completed on August 5, 2025, using 50,000 seagrass planting units, 1,250 peat pots, and 250 herbivory exclusion devices.
These restoration areas provide important habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife while helping rebuild the natural functions of the lagoon. Healthy seagrass beds can also help stabilize sediments and contribute to improved water quality, making their restoration an important part of the County’s broader efforts to protect the Indian River Lagoon.
District 5 continues to support efforts that protect Indian River County’s natural resources and strengthen the health and resilience of the Indian River Lagoon. Projects such as this demonstrate how County leadership, state and federal resources, and community and environmental partners can work together to create lasting benefits for residents, wildlife, and future generations.
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