What Is The Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in North America, stretching an epic 3,730 kilometers. It originates in Minnesota and empties at the Gulf of Mexico. Its famous mouth, where the fresh-water of the river meets the salt-water of the gulf, spans a staggering 920 kilometers. The river and its estuary are of tremendous importance to many species of birds, fish and plants, which travel long distances to use the diverse habitats the river provides.
Are The Mississippi River and The Gulf Of Mexico Mixed?
The Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico are fundamentally different, with disparate waters and ecosystems not meant to mix. The most obvious difference is the salinity disparity between their waters. The Mississippi River is made up of largely fresh, non-saline water, while the Gulf of Mexico is salty with an average salinity of 35 parts per thousand.
For most of its length, the Mississippi River flows south and enters the gulf near the city of New Orleans. While other recent rivers, such as the Colorado River, have caused changes in their drainage basins, the Mississippi’s mouth is relatively unpolluted and, according to EPA studies, the mouth of the river has not changed significantly over the last few decades.
When the river reaches the gulf, it moves slowly, creating a back river, or an eddy current, which gradually turns in a clockwise direction. This eddy current helps to keep the river water separate from the salty Gulf of Mexico. The salinity of the back river varies along its length, with the northern part of the back river having higher salinity, while the closer to the mouth, the less salty it is.
Effects of Human Activity On the Mississippi River Ecosystem
The impact of human activities on the Mississippi River system is undeniable. Unfortunately, the construction of dams has drastically changed the Mississippi River’s hydrology by obstructing the water flow, which has affected the natural course of the river as well as the movement of fish, plants, and other species.
According to the United States Geological Survey, multiple dams in the upper Mississippi River have caused more sediment to be deposited in the gulf, leading to coastal land loss. Another consequence of damming and other engineering interventions is the reduction of the river’s natural ability to flush out pollutants and nutrients. This has caused the bay of the Mississippi to be heavily polluted with fertilizer runoff, sediment, and a whole host of other contaminants.
Expert Perspectives
Highly respected water expert, Dr. Joel Lott of Louisiana State University, conducted a study in 15 years ago on the effects of the Mississippi River delta in the Gulf of Mexico. His results showed very serious alterations to the ecosystem, caused by the river’s sedimentation and the inflow of pollutants from upstream. In his paper, Lott states that “the decreasing flow of freshwater from the Mississippi has caused the water to become more saline, causing a proliferation of salt-tolerant species.”
This increase in salinity has caused an increase in the number of toxic algal blooms, resulting in a decrease in the number of higher-level organisms such as shrimp, crabs, and other sea creatures. Additionally, the lack of sediment has caused land loss in the delta, which has increased shoreline erosion and made the coastline more vulnerable to storms.
Governmental Responses
The federal government has been working on projects to manage the movement of sediment in the river, by creating sediment diversions. These diversions are designed to allow freshwater to flow into the delta, replenishing sediment and thereby restoring wetlands.
At the same time, the Mississippi River Commission has proposed a Flood Risk Management Plan that includes the use of levees, floodwalls and pump stations to manage the flow of water and minimize flooding and other negative effects on coastal areas.
Can The Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico Be Mixed?
The answer is largely no, although there are engineering interventions in place to manage the flow of water and sediment in the river. The Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico are fundamentally different ecosystems, and the salinity difference between their waters makes them unable to mix.
In addition, human activities such as dams and agricultural runoff have had dramatic impacts on the river ecosystem and its ability to flow freely. These activities have created a polluted river that is unable to bring freshwater and sediment into the gulf, leading to alterations in the estuary’s aquatic habitats and a decrease in the number of species that inhabit the area.
The Impact of Oil and Gas Companies
The oil and gas industry has a major presence in the Gulf of Mexico, and its activities have had a great deal of impact on the Mississippi River and its estuary. In addition to the drilling for oil and gas, companies are also involved in dredging, shipping, and other activities that can alter the course of the river and its flow over time.
Much of the activity has been done in the name of commercial interests and little thought has been given to environmental impacts. High levels of sediment have been deposited in the gulf, leading to the death of thousands of fish and other aquatic life, decreased water clarity and oxygen levels, and an increase in the amount of pollutants present in the water.
Can The Gulf Of Mexico Be Saved?
The Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico are both vital ecologies that support many species of plants, birds and fish. Unfortunately, human activity and the oil and gas industry have taken their toll on the river system, leading to land loss and damage to the seafloor.
Restrictions on human activities, such as fishing and drilling, are key steps in preserving the estuary and its habitats. In addition, the diversions and other governmental projects should be supported and encouraged, in order to bring fresh-water and sediment back into the delta, generating new land and restoring wetlands that have been lost to storms and flooding.
Reducing Nutrient Pollutants In The River
Nutrient pollutants come from human activities such as agricultural runoff and sewage entering the river system. These pollutant inputs have led to an increase in the number of toxic algal blooms, which have depleted oxygen levels and caused the death of thousands of aquatic creatures. By reducing these nutrient pollutants, we can help to improve the health of the river, and the creatures that depend on it.
Some strategies that can be implemented to reduce nutrient pollutants include stronger agricultural regulations, improved water treatment processes, and greater education on the dangers of pollutants. Additionally, individuals living along the river can help by properly disposing of their sewage and runoff, as well as planting riparian vegetation along its banks to ensure the water is kept clean.
Restoring Businesses and Recreational Opportunities in The Gulf
The health of the Mississippi River estuary is the foundation of many businesses, recreational activities, and livelihoods. Restoring the abundance of fish, birds, and other creatures in the estuary will benefit both commercial and recreational fisheries.
In addition, restoring the river’s habitats and bringing transport ships, commercial vessels, and other vessels back to the estuary will help to revive businesses, as well as create recreational facilities and new opportunities for tourism.
Preserving The Ecologically Vital Mississippi River Delta
Restoring the Mississippi River Delta is about more than just maintaining businesses and recreational opportunities; it is about ensuring the future of an ecologically vital environment. The Mississippi River estuary is an integral part of North America’s ecology; protecting and restoring it should be a priority for everyone.
The solutions are complex, and will require cooperation between government, conservationists, industry, and people all along the river. Strategies should focus on reducing pollutants and restoring freshwater and sediment to the delta, while also reducing the impacts of human activities that are damaging the estuary.
Ultimately, we all stand to benefit from a healthier, more balanced, and ecologically diverse Mississippi River estuary.
