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Indian River Lagoon Coalition " A Call to Action " 40 40 � �} . 0 • � sem also '�s�.o 13 -c�37 Our Indian River Lagoon is on life support , dying before our eyes. This is a_ call to develop a unified plan to work together to restore the Lagoon before it's too late . - The Indian River Lagoon 's seagrass beds are the biological foundation of the 156 mile long estuarine ecosystem which supports the coastal economy of 5 counties . This ecosystem is in dire need of our directed , concerted assistance . We recognize and commend significant efforts by government, individuals and organizations that have contributed to the knowledge of the lagoon and its varied habitats , increased awareness and worked to correct some of the problems . Unfortunately , continued degradation of the Lagoon indicates that those efforts have been insufficient . Success in turning this trend will require the leadership and financial support of federal , state , county and city governments in cooperation with non - profit organizations , corporations , small businesses and individuals . Government leadership is essential to solve this problem because it has the power to construct improvements , regulate , fund , enforce , acquire land , mitigate and provide services . Research and monitoring of the Lagoon provide data that demonstrate the gravity of the problem , but simultaneously can guide us towards future solutions necessary to revive the Lagoon . 1 . Seagrass coverage is the prime indicator of the health of the Lagoon ( 1 ) . During a two year period ( 2009 - 11 ) there has been an estimated 43 % loss in area covered by seagrass which is equivalent to approximately " 53 square miles ( 2) . 2 . The Lagoon contributes $ 3 . 7 billion to the coastal economy annually (3) . Seagrass productivity contributes between $ 10- 20 , 000 annually per acre per year in economic benefit (4) . Based on seagrass losses over the last two years the economic loss is approximately $ 340 million annually ( s) . 3 . Pollutants are degrading the Lagoon . Lesions on fishes and sea turtles , flesh - eating fungus on dolphins and fish kills are increasingly common , demonstrating declining habitat quality (6) . 4 . Habitat loss of seagrass beds , mangroves , oyster reefs and wetlands is affecting the viability of lagoon and ocean fisheries , as well as bird and manatee health and will continue to decline unless action is taken !