Introduction
Great white sharks are one of the most remarkable and fervently studied creatures on the planet, and it’s no wonder that people often wonder if they can survive in the Mississippi River. Despite the vastness of the Mississippi River, great white sharks actually cannot live there. While these predators often frequent the ocean, they are not built to survive in freshwater environments. In this article, we will explain why great white sharks cannot live in the Mississippi River, diving into the oceanic and river systems which the sharks do inhabit and discussing the unique physical traits of these apex predators that prevent them from living in freshwater environments.
Great White Sharks and Freshwater Environments
Great white sharks are often seen as ferocious killing machines of the ocean. The truth is, great white sharks are apex predators, meaning that they are at the top of the food chain. However, despite the fact that their oceanic habitats houses many different species and provides everything the sharks need to survive, it does have its limits. That limit lies in the presence of freshwater. Sharks, and great whites especially, are unable to survive for long in freshwater because of their specialized physiology.
Great white sharks are osmoconformers, meaning that their internal salt concentrations match that of the external environment. To put it simply, they do not have the same pumping system that mammals do, which allows us to conserve our own body’s salt levels and maintain homeostasis. This means that if a great white shark enters a freshwater environment, its blood cells will swell from the increase in water around them, leading to its death.
The Effects of River Dams
River dams have essentially reshaped the entire Mississippi River system, creating an even warmer and less saline environment for aquatic species. While it is true that river dams do create benefits, it has also resulted in greater instances of invasive species, harmful algal blooms, and other ecological issues. Of course, these alterations to the river system cannot eliminate the chances of great white sharks entering the Mississippi River, due to their ability to swim vast distances and follow large prey.
In the same way that invasive species with salt tolerance have been able to enter the Mississippi River, great white sharks could potentially enter as well. While they could tolerate freshwater, they would not be able to survive in this environment as they have adapted to live within a specific salinity range, and so any changes could potentially be fatal. The only way for great white sharks to survive in freshwater for any length of time is if their environment is altered to support them, a situation which is highly unlikely.
The Role of the Ocean
The ocean is an integral part of the environment for great white sharks, as it provides an abundant source of food for these apex predators. Great white sharks are a migratory species, and they often navigate along coastlines from the coasts of South Africa and Australia, up to the coasts of Canada and the United States. In addition to their migrations, they often frequent the ocean off the coasts of those same countries, in order to hunt some of their favorite prey.
These coastal-dwelling sharks are also adept at navigating the currents along coastlines, allowing them to easily move up and down the ocean in search of food. While it is possible that some of these sharks could also be found in the Mississippi River, they would not be able to survive in this freshwater environment. As such, they opt to remain in the ocean, where they can survive and thrive.
The Impact of Human Activity and Pollution
Human activity, and particularly pollution, can have a detrimental impact on the environment, not just for great white sharks but for all species. There have been numerous instances of pollution having a significant impact on ecosystems, and the presence of plastic and other pollutants in the ocean has caused immense destruction and even killed off species of marine life.
The effects of pollution can even be felt in freshwater ecosystems, such as the Mississippi River. Pollutants such as oil spills and agricultural runoff have been known to seep into the river, and these contaminants can have a significant impact on the wildlife living in the river. As such, if any great white sharks were to enter this environment, they would quickly be affected by the presence of pollutants.
Plankton’s Role in Great White Sharks’ Diet
Great white sharks rely on the plankton in the ocean for a significant portion of their diet. Plankton is a staple of the ocean’s food chain, and the presence of this microscopic food source provides the sharks with their much-needed sustenance. In fact, plankton is so important to the great white shark that if it were to enter a freshwater environment, it would quickly starve as there is no plankton available for them to eat.
This is further evidence that great white sharks are unable to survive in freshwater environments, as they rely on oceanic sources of food to survive. The presence of plankton in the oceans, while essential to the lives of the great white sharks, is also essential to the lives of countless other species, making it all the more important to protect and preserve this critical component of the ocean’s foodchain.
Protection of Great White Sharks
Due to the importance of great white sharks to the ocean’s ecosystem, several organizations have been formed to protect this majestic species of shark. From protecting their habitats to prosecuting those who hunt these creatures for shark fin soup, there are many active organizations fighting for the preservation of these majestic creatures.
Due to the fact that great white sharks cannot survive in freshwater environments, it is even more important for these organizations to work together to protect the ocean and it’s fragile ecosystem. With the presence of more plastic in the ocean and the effects of climate change making the ocean an even more hostile place for great white sharks, the need for effective protection is even stronger than ever.
Great Whites’ Sense of Smell
One of the most remarkable traits of great white sharks is their sense of smell. Despite being thousands of miles away, these sharks can detect a single drop of blood in the ocean and quickly make their way to its source. Furthermore, these apex predators are also able to sniff out rare and delicate prey such as seals and dolphins, allowing them to capture and consume their meal without fail.
Amazingly, great white sharks also have a sense of smell so powerful that it can tell the difference between fresh and salt water. This means that they are able to detect when they are in freshwater and when they are in saltwater, allowing them to navigate their environment efficiently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question ‘Can great white sharks live in the Mississippi River?’ is definitively no. Despite the abundance of food in the river, the presence of freshwater makes it impossible for great white sharks to survive in this environment. These majestic creatures rely on the ocean and its freshwater counterparts as their home, and so it is vital that we all work together to protect and preserve these beautiful creatures.
