Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) is seeking qualified restoration contractors to restore seagrass within the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). BACKGROUND – A Brief history of project Over the past 15 years almost 90% of the seagrass biomass in the Indian River Lagoon has vanished, the impact - diminished natural recolonization. In addition, in 2020-2022, an unusual mortality event was documented for manatees in the region and attributed to emaciation from limited seagrass and macroalgae food availability (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission). The planting of seagrass through this project contributes to restoration efforts of this critical habitat in the Indian River Lagoon. The objective of this project is therefore restoration of at least 4.9 acres of canopy-forming seagrass meadows that are self-sustaining by overcoming rate limiting steps to seagrass recovery.
