The Treasure Coast community recently gathered to celebrate youth, marine conservation, and a beloved local waterway during the 13th annual Lines in the Lagoon Junior Fishing Tournament. Established to raise awareness among the younger generation about the endangered Indian River Lagoon, this year’s event successfully blended competitive fishing with critical environmental fundraising.
Originally conceived by a group of seven passionate young friends who witnessed the environmental decline of the lagoon in their own lifetimes, the nonprofit continues to thrive under the guidance of a dedicated board of students and parents. Their shared passion remains focused on ensuring the local waterways remain clean, safe, and biologically diverse for both marine life and area residents.
Before the awards presentation at local Vero Beach favorite, Walking Tree Brewery, Board President Melissa Shine reflected on the organization’s incredible growth and unwavering mission despite a recent change in board size due to graduating seniors moving on.
“We’re a smaller committee this year, but every year we raise more money. I think we’ve raised over $42,000 this year. The goal is to raise money to donate back to organizations concerned with the health of the Indian River Lagoon.”
The tournament owes its continued success to the hard work of its current board. The adult board members guiding the initiative include Charlotte Bireley, Stephanie DiLella, Kelley Della Porta, Lori Higdon, Jennifer Nye, and Melissa Shine. They work hand-in-hand with an enthusiastic youth board comprised of Cru Bireley, Henry DiLella, Jack Della Porta, Chandler Higdon, Chloe Nye, and Hope Shine.
Net proceeds from the impressive fundraising total are distributed directly to organizations whose missions align with the stewardship and restoration of the Indian River Lagoon. Beneficiaries and key partners from this year’s event include:
- Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA): Working locally to monitor water quality, restore shorelines to prevent runoff, and educate the Treasure Coast community on preservation steps.
- Coastal Conservation Association (CCA): Protecting marine resources through advocacy, habitat restoration, fisheries management, and research.
- Wabasso School of Fish: An organization dedicated to teaching local children the art and responsibility of fishing.
- Wheels and Keels: A local group that provides an annual grant used specifically to fund scholarships.
The event also featured a raffle for a custom 10-foot paddle board, generously donated by Dragonfly Boatworks.
The Indian River Lagoon has long been recognized as one of the most bio-diverse estuaries in North America, serving as a vital spawning ground for ocean and lagoon fish. However, local environmental factors such as storm water runoff, sewage spills, leaky septic tanks, fertilizers, and pesticides have severely threatened its delicate ecosystem.
To combat these issues while promoting ethical angling, the tournament utilized a strict catch-and-release format. This year, 128 young competitors ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade took to the waters. Fishing from boats, docks, seawalls, and the shore, the anglers cast their lines between the Sebastian and Fort Pierce inlets. The participants successfully reeled in a total of 461 fish, taking digital photographs to document their impressive catches before safely releasing them back into the lagoon.
Through events like Lines in the Lagoon, the next generation of Vero Beach and Treasure Coast residents are proving that they are ready to step up as the ultimate stewards of Florida’s precious coastal waters.
