Seagrass survival in St. Lucie Estuary, Indian River Lagoon hinges on discharges 'This estuary on this coast does not need any more discharges,' Florida Oceanographic Society executive director says The health of estuary and lagoon waters hinges on the health of seagrass. Make no mistake: The seagrass is on life support and has been for decades. and last updated 2021-08-02 19:57:34-04 STUART, Fla. â Dr. Lorae Simpson is the director of research and conservation efforts at the Florida Oceanographic Society on Hutchinson Island. On the day WPTV met with her, she was looking in on the seagrass nursery. Yes, seagrass, nurtured and grown for transplant into the St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon.