TALLAHASSEE, Fla (June 1, 2023)— Ocean Conservancy, the nation’s oldest marine conservation nonprofit, applauds the swift passage of HB 1379, which Governor Ron DeSantis signed this week. This landmark legislation supports the ongoing efforts to protect and restore one of Florida’s most cherished ecosystems – the Indian River Lagoon.

“We recognize the immense significance of allocating $100 million towards the restoration of the Indian River Lagoon, as it is a crucial step towards saving Florida’s precious manatees and safeguarding their cherished habitat,” emphasized Jon Paul “J.P.” Brooker, Director of the Florida Conservation Program at Ocean Conservancy. “This substantial investment represents a pivotal leap forward in our conservation endeavors, holding immense promise for preserving the health and vitality of the Indian River Lagoon, which directly contributes to the long-term sustainability and well-being of these magnificent creatures.”

In a letter to Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner during negotiations, Brooker voiced Ocean Conservancy’s support for the $100 Million for water quality infrastructure improvements to Indian River Lagoon. He emphasized the urgency for the legislature to fully approve the funding and send it to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk.

The full passage of the funding recommendations will have a direct impact on the more than 4,300 plant and animal species that live in the lagoon including dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees. The seagrass found in the lagoon is the main diet of manatees, but its growth has been severely impacted by the algal blooms. There are also more threatened and endangered species in the lagoon than in any other estuary in North America.

Ocean Conservancy also commends the bill’s strengthening of the Basin Management Action Plans to work with local governments in an effort to improve water quality as well as the requirement for local governments to prioritize sewer connections to meet their restoration goals.

As a leading non-profit in the conservation and protection space in Florida and nationwide, Ocean Conservancy believes this funding for projects will preserve the vital resource and ecological gem that is the Indian River Lagoon for generations to come.

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About Ocean Conservancy

Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit http://www.oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.