Today is Endangered Species Day

Added: 2026-05-22

[00:00:00]The Indian River Lagoon is an ecologically and economically important estuary along Florida's East Coast.

[00:00:08]It provides essential habitat to manatees and brings billions of dollars to the state economy annually.

[00:00:14]However, industrial pressures and water quality issues threaten the Lagoon's long-term health.

[00:00:21]Just a few years ago, algal blooms caused by pollution killed broad swaths of seagrass.

[00:00:27]As a result, over 1,200 manatees died between 2020 and 2022.

[00:00:33]Mostly from starvation due to seagrass loss.

[00:00:37]While seagrass is thankfully recovering in some areas of the Lagoon, we must continue to sustain momentum in restoring the Lagoon's water quality and ecosystems.

[00:00:48]This Endangered Species Day, please take action for manatees by asking Congress to fund the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program at $1 million.

[00:00:58]For our friends in Florida, we also have an opportunity to ask your state legislators to fund Lagoon restoration at the full $100 million level directed by the governor's 2023 executive order.

[00:01:11]To protect manatees, we must protect the Indian River Lagoon.

[00:01:15]From Save the Manatee Club, we thank you for supporting manatees on Endangered Species Day and every day.