NEWS RELEASE

The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) spans 40 percent of Florida’s east coast and has an annual economic impact of $3.7 billion, supporting an estimated 15,000 full- and part-time jobs while providing recreational opportunities for more than 11 million people per year. Next week, FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) will bring this estuary of national significance to the forefront of local conversation by hosting a public forum on lagoon health.

The public is invited to attend this public outreach day of the 2016 Indian River Lagoon Symposium on Friday, Feb. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at HBOI’s Johnson Education Center Auditorium, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Fort Pierce.

The forum, “Engaging the Public: It’s Our Lagoon!,” is centered on the Indian River Lagoon Council Meeting, which also will take place that day at 9:30 a.m. The event is designed to provide interested individuals with an opportunity to learn more about the plans of the IRL National Estuary Program, and how to become more involved in the various efforts of organizations along the lagoon.

The forum is free and open to the public.  Registration is required and closes Wednesday, Feb. 10.  To register, visit https://fauf.fau.edu/irls2016.

For more information, contact Carin Smith at 772-242-2230 or carinsmith@fau.edu, or visit www.fau.edu/hboi.