Jim Waymer, Florida Today
“Expect to see some high-tech binoculars and expensive cameras with long lenses in coming days, hopeful signs that the Indian River Lagoon is returning to health and with it, more ecotourism.
But a boost in birds, thanks to seagrass and other signs of renewed lagoon life, means a return of the birders and the festival, along with flutters of their much-coveted “eco-cash.””
“The lagoon’s recent grass grow-back was the crucial crucible that brought Thompson’s beloved fest back to life in its Brevard County nest, organizers of the event say. But they and some other birding enthusiasts are as skittish as a sandpiper that the respite might only be temporary.”
“The lagoon’s water quality gradually has been improving, according to the St. Johns River Water Management District.
Mosquito Lagoon had the largest regrowth of seagrass over the past three years, district officials added, with the mean percent grass cover increasing from only 6.5% in summer 2022 to 20% in summer 2023. Other areas of the lagoon had “modest increases compared to Mosquito Lagoon but are continuing to show improvement,” officials added.”
Quotes from article by Jim Waymer, Florida Today, Published January 18, 2024.
Birds and their fest flock back to Space Coast, a sign of a healing lagoon