This action provides funding in the amount of $850,000 to the indian river lagoon (IRL) council to support the implementation of the national estuary program (NEP) comprehensive conservation and…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 awarded $850,000 under the National Estuary Program (CFDA 66.456) to the Indian River Lagoon Council, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030, to implement the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) for the 156-mile Indian River Lagoon estuary on Florida's east coast. The primary deliverable is lagoon-wide algae and cyanobacteria monitoring, including species identification, distribution, and abundance data with specific focus on harmful algal blooms. This urgent, recurring annual monitoring activity is conducted through contracts with the University of Florida (Northern Lagoon monitoring) and Florida Atlantic University–Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (Southern Lagoon monitoring).

Additional products and services are delivered through sub-awards to research institutions: the University of Florida and Florida Atlantic University conduct harmful algal bloom monitoring; the Florida Institute of Technology executes mapping of hypoxia and its impacts on benthic nutrient fluxes; and the Smithsonian Institution provides Indian River Lagoon biodiversity assessment and species inventory development. These coordinated activities support water quality assessment, trend analysis of habitats and natural resources, effectiveness monitoring of CCMP implementation activities, and multi-stakeholder coordination with state, federal, local agencies, NGOs, and community partners to improve the ecological integrity of the estuary.

This action provides funding in the amount of $850,000 to the indian river lagoon (IRL) council to support the implementation of the national estuary program (NEP) comprehensive conservation and management plan (CCMP). Section 320 of the clean water act authorizes the administrator of the environmental protection agency to convene management conferences to develop comprehensive conservation and management plans for estuaries of national significance that are threatened by pollution, development, or overuse. The project will further improve the water quality and ecological integrity of the 156-mile-long estuary on florida's east coast. Activities: activities will address the key challenges facing the estuary including assessing trends in water quality, habitats, natural resources and uses; coordinating implementation of the CCMP by the NEP, along with the state, federal, local agencies, stakeholders, ngos, citizens, partners, and others; and monitoring the effectiveness of activities conducted under the management conference approved CCMP and annual workplan. Funding supports continued IRL algae and cyanobacteria monitoring currently being delivered by university of florida (for the northern lagoon) and florida atlantic university - harbor branch oceanographic institution (for the southern lagoon). This activity is considered an urgent, recurring annual monitoring need. Primary output: lagoon-wide algae and cyanobacterial monitoring to include species identification, distribution and abundance data with specific focus on harmful algal blooms.subrecipient:harmful algal bloom monitoring (2 contracts W/ university of florida and florida atlantic university); suffocating sand: mapping hypoxia and its impacts on benthic nutrient fluxes in the IRL phase 2 (florida institute of technology) and IRL biodiversity and the IRL species inventory (smithsonian institution). Understanding changes in sediment chemistry to improve seagrass restoration success: developing sediment-based habitat suitability criteria for restoration (florida institute of technology).outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include conduct BI-weekly monitoring of algae and cyanobacteria species identification, distribution and abundance. Increased funding for increased sampling during a bloom. The expected outcomes include align irlnep outputs and outcomes closely with CWA section 320 authorization and 32 vital signs for IRL health identified in the CCMP: 'looking ahead to 2030'. Align irlnep activities with our new mission: one lagoon - one community - one voice. Implement one lagoon actions to improve and protect water quality, natural habitats, and living resources. Implement one community actions that contribute to healthy, sustainable and resilient communities. Implement one voice actions that improve communication, collaboration and coordination. Implement activities that support the EPA strategic plan and non-point source program. The intended beneficiaries include citizens, local communities, etc. In the state of florida and this estuary directly benefit from this project. This project addresses core objectives of the clean water act to protect wetlands and coastal waters through the national estuary program. The focus will be better understand herbicide levels currently within the IRL and how they may impact estuarine plants. This project also addresses if these herbicides could also be a source of nutrients for harmful algal blooms.