Indian River Lagoon

The Indian River Lagoon saw a brief respite from massive algal blooms this year. But heavy rains from Hurricane Ian led to wastewater spills and stormwater outflows in yet another setback to water quality. Even so, natural resource managers say the lagoon's restoration is still attainable.

Florida's Indian River lagoon is a rich estuary, home to dolphins, manatees and turtles. But in recent months, it has become clear that something is wrong. Scientists and government officials blame water discharges from Lake Okeechobee and an upswing in pollution.