On February 22 a conference exploring the challenge of protecting the lagoon was sponsored by Marine Resources Council and The Nature Conservancy with support from fifteen other prominent non-profit organizations. The accelerated development and population explosion throughout the lagoon region required new and old issues be reviewed and addressed. "The Indian River Lagoon, An Estuary in Transition" was attended by over 160 people Robert Bendick of the nature Conservancy opened the conference with the question, "Will the continuing change in growth overwhelm the environmental progress that has been made so far?" Panel discussions by marine scientists covered topics such as "Dying dolphins, diseased sea turtles, record fish kills: What Does this Tell Us about the Health of the Lagoon?" Steve McCulloch, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, said, "About 120 dolphins died in the lagoon between the summer of 2000 and 2001". Dr. Llewellyn Ehrhart reported that 50 to 70 percent of the turtles in the Indian River Lagoon are covered with bleeding tumors. During the panel discussion "Is the Indian River Lagoon still protected by the Clean Water Act?", Dr. John Windsor, Florida Institute of Technology, gave an overview of progress made in the Lagoon region but pointed out, "there should be more studies of ground water flow into the lagoon and its effects". During the panel discussion entitled: "The Indian River Lagoon Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan: Gathering Momentum or Gathering Dust", Jim Swann suggested that the Water Management Districts could create a Basin Specific Rule that would limit nutrient pollution into the Indian River Lagoon.

   The closing speaker, Nat Reed, suggested citizens ask the Legislature to fund a scientific task force that would investigate the critical lagoon issues brought to light at the conference. The minutes of the conference and answers to the public's questions will be posted on HERE