INDIAN RIVER LAGOON, Fla. — As more people are realizing the Indian River Lagoon is in bad shape, the community is trying to find out ways to help.

The Indian River Lagoon makes up of 40 percent of the east coast stretching about 150 miles. It’s currently associated with fish kills, stinky water, and disappearing sea life. Some even say it’s dying.

Sunday, Marine Resources Council hosted the “Lagoon-wise Fertilizer, Grass Clippings, and Rain Barrel Workshop” at Rockledge Gardens in Brevard County.

Nitrogen Scientist and Marine Resources Council Executive Director Dr. Leesa Souto discussed the harmful effects of fertilizer on the lagoon and the local fertilizer ordinances in effect to protect the groundwater and waterways.

Sea life is leaving the waters due to muck suffocating seagrass and killing their food source.

It's a huge issue, and they are hoping the community at a local level can start doing their part.

The steps are simple: Reduce or eliminate fertilizer use, make sure grass clipping don't end up near storms drains or anywhere where it can reach the water, and use rain barrels to re-use the water for irrigation purposes.

“That’s a lot of water that you're preventing from to the lagoon with contaminated grass fertilizers and pet waste. The less it comes off our property, the less ends up in the lagoon,” Souto said.

Souto also says if your community has irrigated reclaimed water, you don't need fertilizers, and most yards don't need any type of fertilizers. But if you must use fertilizers, make sure to get 50 percent slow release nitrogen and apply it before June 1.