Mosquito Lagoon facts for kids
Mosquito Lagoon is a large body of water on the east coast of Florida. It stretches across Brevard and Volusia counties. This lagoon is part of the bigger Indian River Lagoon system. It is also connected to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, which is like a highway for boats along the coast.
The lagoon reaches from the Ponce de Leon Inlet down to an area north of Cape Canaveral. It connects to the Indian River through a channel called the Haulover Canal. Important places like the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Kennedy Space Center are right next to the lagoon.
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Exploring Mosquito Lagoon
Mosquito Lagoon is a very special place for nature lovers. It is known for its amazing wildlife and beautiful scenery.
A Home for Wildlife
The lagoon is a popular spot for fishing, especially for a fish called spotted seatrout. Many people also visit to watch birds and enjoy nature tours. You might even spot a Manatee swimming peacefully in the water!
Protecting the Lagoon
A large part of the lagoon is protected as the Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve. This preserve helps keep the natural environment safe for all the plants and animals that live there. A big section of the lagoon is also part of the Canaveral National Seashore, which is a protected coastal area.
Helping Oysters Thrive
Oysters are very important for keeping the lagoon's water clean. The Nature Conservancy is working with the University of Central Florida on a project to bring back more oyster reefs. These reefs provide homes for many sea creatures and help filter the water.
A Famous Rescue Story
In 2005, a young bottlenose dolphin named Winter was rescued from Mosquito Lagoon. Winter became famous because she needed a special prosthetic tail to swim. Her story was even made into the movies Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2.
Keeping the Water Healthy
Sometimes, the lagoon experiences something called a "brown tide bloom." This is when tiny plants called algae grow too much and can make the water look brown. Local groups are studying these blooms to find ways to prevent them and keep the lagoon's water healthy for everyone.
