OFF THE MAP

Stretching from Ponce Inlet to the north to Jupiter Inlet to the south, the 156-mile long Indian River Lagoon system is our nation's most biologically diverse estuary. Many endangered and threatened species live here, including the West Indian Manatee and the Roseate Spoonbill.  It includes many notable sub-lagoon segments, such as the Banana River, the Mosquito Lagoon and the Banana River. It is bounded by marsh grasses to the north and mangroves to the south. Corals, sponges, redfish and shark can be seen here. It is managed by the SJRWMD and the National Estuary Program with a field station in Palm Bay, Florida. We launched our series with a film on the IRL system with filming and production in early 2004. The program host is Hunter Reno, a Miami-based conservationist, model and former Travel Channel program host.  

In the photo (right), Hunter Reno, is filmed by the Equinox crew as she prepares to launch her kayak at Ponce Inlet at the northern end of the Indian River Lagoon in mid-February 2004. This premier segment for OTM followed Hunter as she paddled the lagoon south to Ft. Pierce and Jupiter. Aerials, wildlife close-ups and underwater glimpses of life along the lagoon helped illustrate the complexity of this vast ecological system. The Sunshine Network (now Sun Sports) broadcast the show in the Spring of 2004 and continues to run it as "encore" presentations.

An great egret looks on as Hunter Reno paddles in the Indian River Lagoon.