Primarily
due to its unique location at the boundary between the temperate
and subtropical zones, east central Florida's Indian River Lagoon
(IRL) system is perhaps the most biologically diverse estuarine
system in the continental United States, supporting more than 3,000
species of animals and plants. In 1990, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency designated the IRL as an "estuary of national
significance" which initiated both local and national efforts
to better protect the biodiversity of this rich ecosystem.
We invite you to begin your exploration of the Indian River Lagoon
and its abundance of species by clicking on one of the links
at the left.
To Contact
Us:
Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce
701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949
Phone 772-462-6220, Fax 772-461-8154
Send comments
to irl_webmaster@si.edu
Copyright © 2000-2008
by Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce
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