A crowd estimated by event organizers at 400 to 500 joined hands across the Indian River Lagoon on the Merrill P. Barber Bridge in Vero Beach this morning to demonstrate support for efforts to save the Indian River Lagoon, one of North America’s most vital estuaries.

The event was held in conjunction with National Estuary Day, and was coordinated by a collaboration of organizations including the Indian River Community Foundation, the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, Florida Institute of Technology and The Lagoon Coalition.

“This is a historic event and watershed moment for the Indian River Lagoon,” said Kerry Bartlett, Executive Director of the Indian River Community Foundation. “When we learned there were no plans to have one of the Vero Beach causeways covered, we knew we couldn’t let our community be left out.”

Declining lagoon conditions over the last few years have prompted a growing concern among scientists, citizens and the business community. While many continue to study what is causing the problems and potential solutions, it is important to keep the health of the lagoon a top priority for our communities said Penny Chandler, Executive Director of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce.

“The Indian River Lagoon is a $4 billion economic driver, not to mention the most biologically diverse estuary in the United States,” said Chandler. “The health of the Lagoon has a significant impact on the health of our economy. This event, and other similar events, during National Estuaries Week is a great way to help educate our communities about the importance of the lagoon.”

For more information contact the Indian River Community Foundation, (772) 492-1407 or the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, 321-722-5363