Field Notes from the Coastal Connections Team

The Coastal Connections Research team is back and ready to rock and roll! After a brief break from our summer interviews, we are picking up right where we left off trying to protect the Indian River Lagoon, and we need all the help we can get!We have been going out on the weekends to events in New Smyrna Beach, like the farmer’s market on Saturday’s, as well as to JB’s Fish Camp and Playalinda Beach in Canaveral National Seashore to talk to as many people as possible.After talking to people in the area, we’re finding that there is a lot of pride associated with the Indian River Lagoon. A lot of people we have talked to are worried about the wildlife, mainly the dolphins and manatees. People are telling us that the lagoon isn’t ours (human’s), it belongs to the animals and organisms living in it. Improper boating practices have been a major topic, especially in regards to the scars on manatee’s backs from being hit by them.Thank you to everyone who has taken our survey so far! If anyone is interested in taking the survey, you can do so here! We would love your input!