Banana River
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The Banana River is a 31-mile-long (50 km)[1] lagoon that lies between Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island in Brevard County, Florida in the United States. It is also known as the "Frozen Banana River"[citation needed] or "Poo Lagoon" due to its brown color and the high concentration of fecal matter in the water.[2] It is part of the Indian River Lagoon system, and connects at its south end to the Indian River; it is the only part of the lagoon system not in the Intracoastal Waterway. It also has an outlet to the Atlantic Ocean via a lock into Port Canaveral. The lagoon includes salt marshes, mangrove swamps, seagrass beds, drift algae, oyster bars, tidal flats, and spoil islands, providing habitats for many marine species.These are brackish waters mixed of salt and fresh water; waist deep with a soft bottom sand/grass. Commercial and recreational activities in the lagoon generate more than US$ 800 million annually for the local economy.[citation needed]
Historically, the Banana River was a continuous waterway that completely separated Merritt Island from Cape Canaveral (which was considered part of the mainland until the construction of the Haulover Canal). In 1964, the Crawlerway was built at Kennedy Space Center, connecting Merritt Island to Cape Canaveral and dividing the Banana River into northern and southern lagoons.[citation needed]
Natural history
The river contains dolphins, manatee, and stingrays.[3]
See also
References
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey 7½ minute topographic maps
- ^ Saggio, Jessica (March 12, 2018). "BDB: Our waters are literally full of poop, dead manatees and abandoned boats. High five!". Florida Today.
- ^ "Gliding along the bottom". Florida Today. Melbourne, Florida. 22 February 2011. pp. 2B.
Further reading
- "About the Banana River Aquatic Preserve". dept.state.fl.us.
28°18′22″N 80°38′51″W / 28.30611°N 80.64750°W