Seagrass collapse
Essential meadows filter water and shelter marine life — destroyed as algae blooms block the sunlight they need.
Who we are
Meet the team behind the project.
Project: Save Our Lagoon is an initiative led by West Shore Jr./Sr. High School students for the Community Problem Solving competition in Future Problem Solving — an international organization that brings K–12 students around the world to participate in challenges designed to empower curious youth to become changemakers.
We were tasked to find an issue our community was facing, and we chose the environmental decline of the Indian River Lagoon. We knew the crucial role it played in sustaining a diverse ecosystem, reducing CO₂ in the atmosphere, and supporting the local economy — and we built research, presentation, and design into one coordinated effort.
156 miAlong Florida's Atlantic coast
5,300+Species of plants & animals
$7.6BTotal economic value
$33Returned per $1 restored
~25%Public awareness of crisis
The problem
A lagoon under threat.
The Indian River Lagoon is one of North America's most biodiverse estuaries. Despite its importance, severe ecological decline is driven primarily by nutrient pollution from fertilizers and stormwater runoff — fueling algae blooms that block sunlight and deplete oxygen, and collapsing seagrass meadows essential to marine life.
Nutrient pollution
Fertilizer runoff floods the lagoon with nitrogen and phosphorus, fueling toxic blooms that cloud the water.
Real estate value
Properties near the IRL are valued ~$934M higher because of it — preservation is economic, not only environmental.
$33 per $1 invested
Every dollar in lagoon restoration returns $33 to the regional economy annually.
Awareness gap
Only 25–30% of residents surveyed understood the lagoon's struggles and primary pollution causes.
Slow recovery
The lagoon's narrow shape slows flushing, letting pollution build instead of washing out to sea.
Growing up in Brevard County, we have personally witnessed the decline of the IRL. As children, we spent many hours fishing, boating, and kayaking — building memories and learning to appreciate the outdoors. — Project: Save Our Lagoon
Over the past few years, these activities became less enjoyable as water quality worsened. Algae blooms clouded the waters, seagrass meadows diminished, and fish populations declined. If citizens are unaware of the issue, they may continue practices that harm the environment rather than making more environmentally friendly decisions.
What we did
Taking the science into classrooms.
We raised awareness through seminars in local elementary schools and through social media and the internet — measuring learning with pre- and post-quizzes at both schools.
Education
Lagoon presentations that stick.
We introduced the Indian River Lagoon, explained nutrient pollution, and gave students concrete steps they could take at home. Students at both schools showed measurably improved understanding afterward.
Nitrogen testing
Students measured nitrogen in normal water vs. fertilizer-mixed water using test strips — modeling runoff into the IRL.
Awareness posters
After presentations, students made posters using what they learned — reinforcing the lesson creatively.
Runoff simulation
We simulated fertilizer in soil and used "rain" to show how nutrients reach nearby water bodies in real time.
School newsletters
Newsletters summarized our findings for classroom use, extending reach beyond in-person visits.
Social media launch
Instagram carries lagoon facts, project updates, and ways to help — from classroom to public conversation.
Together we are rewriting the narrative for our lagoon.
↑Proficiency gains on pre/post quizzes
2Elementary schools in Brevard County
@save_our_lagoon on Instagram
5Counties recruiting new chapters
Chronicle
Documenting our journey.
Nov 2, 2025
Our project and the lagoon.
We chose the Indian River Lagoon for our main project — presentations on environmental decline to elementary students, with hands-on activities modeling nutrient pollution along Florida's east coast.
Nov 9, 2025
Nutrient pollution: the core issue
Excess nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers and stormwater drive the lagoon's decline.
Nov 16, 2025
Algae blooms in action
Blooms block sunlight and crash ecosystems — the chain reaction we demonstrate for students.
Nov 23, 2025
Seagrass devastation
Vital beds die when cloudy algae blocks sunlight — inspiring our modeling activities.
Dec 1, 2025
Muck's lasting harm
Bottom sludge traps nutrients that keep fueling algae even after new inputs stop.
Dec 7, 2025
Stormwater from daily life
Rain washes fertilizer, pet waste, and debris from lawns straight into the lagoon.
Dec 14, 2025
Wildlife suffering
Die-offs linked to toxins, starvation, and low oxygen from algae and seagrass loss.
Dec 21, 2025
Why the damage lingers
Narrow shape slows flushing — sustained effort beats one-time fixes.
Jan 4, 2026
Organized restoration
The National Estuary Program leads habitat and water quality projects statewide.
Jan 11, 2026
Real restoration work
Living shorelines, seagrass planting, oyster reefs, and muck dredging heal damaged spots.
Jan 18, 2026
Project reach expands
Presentations plus social media and school letters spread awareness further.
Jan 25, 2026
Bigger picture impact
An ecosystem strained by pollution — ripe for recovery with community help.
Online outreach
Spreading awareness beyond the classroom.
Our Instagram account shares lagoon facts, highlights our efforts, and encourages citizens to be proactive in recovery — taking the issue from a school presentation to a public conversation.
How you can help protect the lagoon.
Reduce fertilizer use
Use slow-release or fertilizer-free lawn care. Never fertilize before rain — it washes straight into the lagoon.
Rain gardens & beds
Install rain gardens to absorb stormwater before it reaches waterways.
Spread awareness
Follow and share @save_our_lagoon. Talk to neighbors about simple protective changes.
Pick up pet waste
Pet waste is a major nitrogen source in stormwater — dispose of it properly.
Keep drains clear
Sweep clippings off driveways instead of hosing debris into storm drains.
Support restoration
Volunteer for cleanups, advocate for stormwater policy, and contact representatives about lagoon funding.
Connect with us
Join the mission.
Whether you're a student, teacher, or community member — there's a role for you in protecting the Indian River Lagoon.
Youth Advisory Board: Meghana Geddam · Arya Kulkarni
Interested in opening a chapter? We're recruiting high school students from:
Our team
- Eshan Vipuileshan.vipuil@gmail.com
- Shriya Varadashriyaonweb@gmail.com
- Raaha Sellamuthuraaha.vk@gmail.com
- Sidharth Patsamatlasid.patsamatla@gmail.com
- Joseph Konathapallyjoseph.g.konathapally@gmail.com
- Instagram@save_our_lagoon
Labs 4 Learning
Hands-on science experiences across Florida — supporting our nitrogen testing activities in elementary classrooms.
Future Problem Solving
The Community Problem Solving program gave us the framework to turn concern for the lagoon into real action.
You can help give our lagoon a brighter future.
Volunteer for shoreline cleanups, advocate for stormwater improvements, and share the project so the lagoon story does not end with a single school presentation.