2025 Indian River Lagoon Health Report

Dr. Laura Wilson, Executive Director

Mara Skadden, Director of Science

Marine Resources Council

Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST

Join us at the Ted Moorhead Lagoon House as Dr. Laura Wilson and Mara Skadden of Marine Resources Council share an in-depth analysis of the 2025 Lagoon Health Report. Continuing the reimagined 2024 format, which assesses five health indicators—harmful algae, seagrass coverage, sediment health, wastewater spills, and water quality —this year’s report also includes a new health indicator: salinity. Health indicators were measured for each of the five sub-basins (north to south: Mosquito Lagoon, North Indian River Lagoon, Banana River Lagoon, Central Indian River Lagoon, and South Indian River Lagoon) on a scale from 0 (very poor) to 3 (good). The presenters will share the methods used to compile the report, provide an interpretation of the health indicators for each sub-basin, and offer tips on being a responsible steward of the Lagoon.

The seminar will end with a live Q&A session. Given the limited seating in the Lagoon House and an increased demand for in-person tickets, there is a $5 in-person attendance fee. Please feel free to bring your own lunch. Coffee and cookies will be provided. Viewing Lagoon at Noon presentations via Zoom remains free. We thank you for your continued support of our Lagoon at Noon Program.

The Zoom link will be in your confirmation email. A recording of the presentation will be posted to MRC's YouTube page for future viewing.

About the Speakers

Dr. Laura Wilson started as the Executive Director of MRC in June 2024, where she is able to apply a systems approach to ecosystem restoration, encourage data-informed decision making, facilitate collaborations, and encourage life-long learning. Prior to joining MRC, Laura earned her B.S. in Geology from Washington & Lee University, M.S. in Earth Sciences from Montana State University, and Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from University of Colorado at Boulder. Her background is in vertebrate paleontology, specifically studying ancient marine ecosystems that evolved in a greenhouse climate and comparing them to modern systems.

Mara Skadden is a benthic ecologist specializing in using benthic infauna as ecological indicators of sediment health, pollution, and restoration success. As Director of Science for MRC, Mara leads the Restoration Team for living shoreline restoration, manages MRC’s mangrove nursery, and oversees conservation land management. Mara is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in biological oceanography.

Lagoon at Noon - December 2025

2025 Lagoon Health Report with Dr. Laura Wilson & Mara Skadden