The St. Lucie County Aquarium in Fort Pierce features the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, presenting living models of six Florida marine and estuarine ecosystems. This 5,000-square-foot facility holds more than 8,000 gallons of marine life and highlights habitats commonly found in the Indian River Lagoon and nearby coastal waters. The largest display is a 3,000-gallon Caribbean coral reef ecosystem, originally exhibited at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History before being relocated to Fort Pierce in 2001.
Visitors can also view exhibits representing seagrass, mangrove, lagoon hardbottom, nearshore reef habitats, and deepwater Oculina coral reefs. Smaller aquarium displays and microscope stations offer additional opportunities to observe marine organisms. A touch tank provides hands-on interaction with local species and supports public education about the region’s aquatic environments.
The aquarium was created through a partnership between St. Lucie County and the Smithsonian Marine Station. It continues to serve as an educational resource for families, students, and researchers interested in local marine science. The facility focuses on demonstrating ecosystem function, species interactions, and the importance of conservation within the Indian River Lagoon system.
Read on about more things to do, see, and enjoy on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
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