Indian River Lagoon is often considered to be among the most biologically diverse estuaries found in North America. The lagoon provides vital sea grass habitat. This local ecosystem is home to a myriad of invertebrates including oysters, clams, mussels, sponges and blue crabs. Some of the larger marine life commonly encountered in the lagoon can include tarpon, snook, flounder, sea turtles and manatees. This important marine ecosystem is teeming with aquatic life, and provides abundant boating, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing recreational opportunities.

Many events occur in Brevard County’s Space Coast area throughout the year, ranging from annual surfing contests to sail boat regattas and parades, along with numerous festivals in the surrounding townships. The area has been host to one of the largest and longest running seafood festivals found in the southeast. The Grant Seafood Festival occurs every February in Brevard County’s southern area. This festival began in 1965, and admission is still free to all attendees. Brevard also has numerous fishing tournaments, including an annual redfish tournament which draws attendees from far and wide.

The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge spans 20.5 miles along the Atlantic Coast in the southern area of Brevard County. This undeveloped coastal area is an essential sea turtle nesting habitat, and one of the largest encountered in North America. Loggerhead, leatherback and green turtles come to this area every summer to lay eggs on this stretch of sandy beach. Nesting and hatching activities are common in this area occurs from May through October, and evidence of the previous nights activities are observed during even a short stroll along the shoreline.