Humans have long shared stories of the danger posed by sharks. But fear not – despite the worry of many Mississippi River cruisers, this species of dangerous predators shouldn’t be a concern. Are there indeed sharks inhabiting the mighty Mississippi? The short answer is ‘no’, but there’s more to the story.
Though Mississippi River sharks have been spoken about for many years, there’s scant scientific evidence to support their existence in this freshwater waterway. Alternative explanations for sightings include other swimmers or fishermen confused for a shark, pet alligators that have escaped, and freshwater ‘dog sharks.’
Some accounts remain, however – notably documented in 1885 by Dr. Isaiah F. Smith MD in his book, The Book of Pharyngeal Therapeutics, wherein he records the tale of a ‘man-eating Mississippi River shark.’ But according to experts at the World Wildlife Federation and Smithsonian, such sightings are more likely attributed to the illusion of shadows beneath the undulating surface.
So, why can’t sharks survive in fresh water? Research suggests that sharks rely on ions found in salt water to maintain regular blood osmolarity and mobility, which is impossible in fresh water in healthy concentrations. According to evolutionary biologist Melissa Cristina Márquez, “If they can’t maintain proper osmotic concentration, they’re going to become dehydrated and die.”
But that isn’t the only factor. The farther inland a shark swims, the higher the chances are that it can’t find food and will suffer from starvation. Though some sharks, like the bull shark, are capable of entering brackish water and have been seen in rivers around the equator and North America, even they would find it difficult to reach as far as the Mississippi.
Are There Sharks on the Coast?
Yes – but only a few species in modest numbers. While there are many species of sharks that occupy the oceans around the world, the Gulf Coast is home mainly to the blacknose and bonnethead sharks. Elsewhere, both smalleye hammerhead and the tiger sharks inhabit the waters around Texas and Mexico.
Most sharks are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of their food chain and have less to fear from predators. This makes them invaluable in keeping the delicate oceanic ecosystem in check, but also poses a great risk to humans, as they’re more likely to prey on our species when hungry. As such, it’s important to be cautious when in open waters, making sure to use extreme caution when swimming, surfing, or otherwise navigating in the ocean.
Still, some brave and adventurous individuals are likely to take the risk, leading to a regular supply of shark victims worldwide. In 2017, there were eight recorded shark attacks in Florida alone, with twelve additional attacks reported in the nearby waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Are Sharks Endangered?
Unfortunately, yes. Since the 1970s, over-fishing and intentional killing have cut shark population numbers in half. Even as fish stocks recover, sharks remain in decline due to a complex series of issues ranging from habitat destruction to climate change. Today, several species of sharks are listed as ‘critically endangered’ and at extreme risk of extinction – a future many fear.
Researchers and conservationists believe it’s more important than ever to protect this species, yet many commercial and recreational anglers are still intent on targeting them. To make matters worse, shark-finning myths persist, keeping the demand for shark-fin soup alive in certain locales, leading to even more killing of these majestic creatures.
Researchers are working to raise awareness of sharks’ importance to our oceans and Earth’s environment, but much work is still needed. In the United States and abroad, groups like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are countering the over-fishing of sharks and rallying for the protection of vulnerable species.
What is the Future of Sharks?
As shark population numbers continue to decline, scientists and campaigners alike are working to bring awareness to the general public of the plight of the species. Organizations such as Shark Guardians, The Ocean Foundation, and Shark Saver are working to raise sharks’ profile, inform the public, and reduce human-shark conflict in vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, politicians and governments around the world are being targeted as well, with initiatives such as the Shark Conservation Act of 2009 making progress. The proposed act would implement tighter regulations on the international shark trade, reinforcing shark protections and parameters worldwide.
Even so, the interest in sharks of mass media continues to draw hungry eyes from poachers, leading to an ever-dynamic cycle of human-shark interaction and struggle. Still, some scientists remain optimistic on the future of the species, particularly because of heightened public interest and activism.
How Can We Help?
Most environmental specialists suggest the best way to help sharks is to get involved. This includes awareness-raising, donating to conservation organizations, supporting the practice of sustainable fishing, and opposing any practices that lead to the destruction of shark habitats such as oil drilling and dynamite fishing.
For those seeking to get more hands-on involvement, we recommend volunteering with any of the numerous shark conservation groups mentioned above. Additionally, hosting a fundraiser for shark conservation groups is a great way to help spread the awareness and spark advocacy for these species.
Conclusion
Though tales of sharks in the Mississippi River have been circulating for centuries, scientific evidence suggests that these species are unlikely to ever inhabit this freshwater region. Fortunately, such myths have not prevented US laws from being passed in order to protect sharks worldwide. Still, the species remain at risk due to a host of human pressures, meaning it’s more important than ever to educate, inform, and raise awareness of sharks’ plight and value as part of our shared planet. As a society, we must continue to ask ourselves and confront the difficult question: Are we doing enough to ensure the future of sharks?
