Marine Resources Council's Monthly Email Newsletter |
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LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR |
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Dear Patricia, When the Lagoon is healthy, so are we because the health of the Indian River Lagoon is directly connected to our own. When our waterways suffer, so do our communities—through increased exposure to harmful bacteria and toxins, declining fisheries, poorer water and air quality from algal blooms, and the loss of natural buffers that protect our homes during storms. And when the Lagoon thrives, our communities become safer, more resilient, and healthier. This connection has been at the heart of our work at the Marine Resources Council for decades, but in 2025 it gained renewed visibility. Thanks to strong partnerships and dedicated supporters, we made meaningful progress in restoring and protecting the Lagoon. Our expanded shoreline restoration efforts strengthened natural filtration, sequestered carbon, and reduced erosion. Our growing mangrove nursery supplied more projects than the past two years combined. Enhanced water quality monitoring provides clearer, more accessible data that help residents and leaders make informed decisions. And through Low Impact Living, community members of all ages took steps at home and in their neighborhoods to reduce pollution at the source. Yet even with the progress we’ve made, the Lagoon continues to face persistent challenges—nutrient pollution, slow seagrass recovery, storm impacts, and other stressors that directly affect public health and quality of life. As we look ahead to 2026, we’re preparing to scale up restoration, expand native plant propagation, expand community-based water monitoring, and advance practical, science-informed solutions with community and state leaders. This is where your support truly makes a difference.
Your year-end donation directly strengthens the programs that protect the Lagoon and the people who depend on it. Every gift helps us restore habitat, support our citizen scientists and other volunteers, educate residents, and advocate for solutions that create more resilient communities. As you consider your charitable giving this season, I hope you’ll include MRC. Together, we can ensure a future where the Lagoon—and all of us—can thrive. Thank you for your partnership and commitment. |
Dr. Laura Wilson Executive Director |
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| On Friday, November 21, the Lagoon House hosted members for the Marine Resources Council's annual Membership Meeting. In addition to sharing 2025 accomplishments, Dr. Laura Wilson shared more about what the Council hopes to accomplish in 2026! As we look to the year ahead, we’re committed to scaling up restoration by expanding our nursery, strengthening community partnerships for restoration projects, and empowering more people to take meaningful action for the waterways that define our region. Consider making a year-end gift to the Marine Resources Council to help make these goals a reality. Every dollar supports locally driven, science-based restoration and education that make a measurable difference for the Lagoon we all cherish. |
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Bird Island Monitoring Starts in December! |
In anticipation of the Bird Island Restoration project in collaboration with Florida Fish and Wildlife and the Brevard Zoo, Marine Resources Council's Science team is beginning to monitor island conditions. During this initial round of sampling, the Science team will assess seagrass coverage, sediment conditions, water quality, and begin measuring for sediment accretion. The restoration project, including breakwater protection and sand replenishment, should help with sediment accretion once completed. Initial monitoring can help scientists understand island conditions before project implementation and eventually determine metrics of success. See the flyer to the right for more details, and be on the lookout for further information from our science team in the coming months. Direct your questions to Mara Skadden, our Director of Science |
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[LovetheIRL.org/2025-report]  |
| The 2025 Indian River Lagoon Report is officially live on our website. This year’s report continues last year’s reimagined format, which assesses five health indicators—harmful algae, seagrass coverage, sediment health, wastewater spills, and water quality. This year’s Report includes the addition of salinity data and what that means for keystone species in the Lagoon. You can view the Report in its entirety on [LovetheIRL.org/2025-report]our website. In general, 2025 was a year of stability for the Indian River Lagoon. Overall basin health remained the same for four of the five basins, while the Central Indian River Lagoon had an overall health improvement from “poor” to “okay”. This improvement is largely due to lower algae concentrations and increased seagrass coverage; however, water quality remained the poorest in the Central IRL among all basins. Our December 2025 Lagoon at Noon Presentation will feature Executive Director, Dr. Laura Wilson, & Director of Science, Mara Skadden, as they dive deeper into the results of the 2025 Lagoon Health Report. If you are interested in scheduling a presentation about the Lagoon Health report, email council@mrcirl.org. |
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Low Impact Living Tip of the Month |
| This month, our Low Impact Living Tip of the month focuses on reusing and recycling. Recycling your one-gallon planter pots, that is! Our science team is in need of one-gallon planter pots to expand our Mangrove Nursery in Palm Bay and in Sebastian. If you have any one-gallon planter pots you would like to donate to our nursery, you can bring them to the Ted Moorhead Lagoon House between 9 AM and 1 PM, Monday through Saturday. Reach out to our Director of Science, Mara Skadden, with any questions! |
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Marine Resources Council Shoreline Restoration |
Do you know that the Marine Resources Council can be contracted to complete shoreline restoration projects and mangrove planting on private property? With the weather cooling down and hurricane season behind us, winter and spring are the best times to start restoration projects. If you're interested in learning more about how Marine Resources Council can assist with shoreline protection, contact the Director of Science, Mara Skadden. |
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| WHERE IN THE LAGOON IS MRC? |
December 24 - 27 - Christmas Holiday |
Want to get your company, club, or sports team involved with volunteering at MRC? Reach out to Brooke Blosser to learn how we can host a volunteering day with your large group! |
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Consider Marine Resources Council Merchandise as a holiday gift for your friends and family. In addition to our timeless Love Our Lagoon tee-shirts, you can find stickers, hats, and our newest item: reusable water bottles! Visit our merchandise store online to browse the collection and pick out your favorites for shipment before the holidays. |
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Thanks to our dedicated supporters, we are 36% into our end-of-year fundraising goal! Consider Marine Resources Council for your year end contribution to help us meet our ambitious goal of $100,000 for Lagoon outreach, education, and restoration. |
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[LovetheIRL.org]  |
| Want to stay informed about how your donation is making a difference? Follow us on socials! |
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Thank you for supporting the Marine Resources Council! |
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3275 Dixie Hwy NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905, USA |
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