In coastal areas, waters from several sources mix to become the essence of beautiful and unique water bodies, brimming with biological diversity. Maintaining this diversity (the existence of many different types of plants and animals) is a key part of maintaining the health of the earth's ecological systems and its future resources.
More on Coastal Systems Estuaries, Lagoons, Bays and Rivers (or, select Links and other tabs at the top of this page)
South Florida's coastal systems support spiny lobster, penaeid shrimp, blue crab, oyster, spotted sea trout, stone crab and many other species of marine and freshwater species of commercial and recreational interest. Coastal ecosystems are especially vulnerable because they attract intense human development, making these areas especially prone to habitat loss and alteration.
Our Region's Coastal Systems
Coastal ecosystems associated with south Florida watersheds include the southern reaches of the Indian River Lagoon, the Savannas, the Atlantic Ridge, the St. Lucie River and Estuary, the Loxahatchee River and Estuary, the West Jupiter Wetlands, the Lake Worth Lagoon, Biscayne Bay, Florida Bay, the Florida Keys, Cape Sable, Cape Romano, the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary, Estero Bay, San Carlos Bay and Charlotte Harbor.
One of the SFWMD's goals is to manage freshwater discharge to south Florida's estuaries in a way that preserves, protects and, where possible, restores essential estuarine resources. The District seeks to ensure that estuaries receive not only the right amount of water at the right time but also clean, high quality water.
Northern Everglades
