MAKE A LIFESTYLE CHANGE AND HELP THE LAGOON:
Individual actions can add up to a sea change, and there are many things you can do to help the Indian River Lagoon. Become an advocate for clean water, make simple lifestyle changes, report violations and pollution, volunteer to help, and more.
At home:
- Follow local fertilizer ordinances, or, best of all, stop fertilizing your lawn.
- Plant native plants. They provide food and cover for wildlife, and don’t require fertilizer.
- Eliminate the use of pesticides and herbicides.
- Limit stormwater runoff from your property by using rain barrels and rain gardens.
- Don’t let grass clippings, yard waste, trash, or pollutants enter swales, which often drain into the Lagoon.
- Have your septic system checked and make sure it is in good working order.
- Keep pet waste out of the water – it is a source harmful bacteria and nutrients.
On the water:
- When boating, avoid seagrass beds. Prop scars take years to recover.
- Recover and dispose of monofilament fishing line, nets, and tackle. Fishing line, lures, hooks, and abandoned nets are dangerous to wildlife.
- Respect wildlife. Don’t feed or get too close to marine mammals, birds, or other wildlife in the Lagoon.
- Keep your distance from bird rookeries like Bird Island and Pelican Island.
Learn and share your knowledge
- Visit the RESOURCE page for more information about the Lagoon.
- Learn firsthand about the Lagoon at a nature center.
- Share your knowledge with others so they can participate.
- Teach children about the Lagoon and show them how they can help.
- Get out on the water and discover your Lagoon.
Volunteer
- Help the Indian Riverkeeper and other groups that restore the Lagoon.
- Build oyster reefs
- Monitor seagrass
- Participate in river and beach clean ups.
- Protest the destruction of the Lagoon.
- Speak for the Lagoon at meetings of local and state agencies.
- Visit, write or call legislators to advocate for the Lagoon.
Report A Violation
What to do if you see a violation that could harm the Lagoon
The Indian Riverkeeper wants to know about any suspected violations with the potential to harm the lagoon, its watershed, habitat or wildlife. Typical violations include events such as discharges of pollution, dumping, accidental spills, filling, fish kills, illegal gill nets, or algae blooms. Contact Riverkeeper Jim Moir at 772-341-4953 or indianriverkeeperfl@gmail.com.
Depend on the Indian Riverkeeper to address your concerns
The Riverkeeper has extensive knowledge of state and local agencies and will determine the best course of action. He can navigate the layers of state and federal bureaucracy, find those who can do something about a problem, and follow up to hold the responsible agencies accountable. The Riverkeeper’s experience and know-how, along with the clout of our member base, ensure that your concerns will be listened to.
Some incidents should be phoned in immediately
Some incidents, like dead, sick or, injured sea turtles, or hazardous spills should be phoned in immediately to the agencies concerned. If you report an incident directly to an agency, please alert the Indian Riverkeeper – he will follow up to ensure that action is taken on your report.
REPORT THESE VIOLATIONS IMMEDIATELY
Fish Kill Hotline:
1-800-636-0511
Oil, fuel, or hazardous material spills:
1-800-320-0519
Wildlife Alert Hotline (for injured, sick, or dead Sea Turtles or Manatees):
1-888-404-3922