The Mississippi River Basin is served by a fierce network of tributaries, canals, and bayous that feed in to the mighty Mississippi and intertwine around the state. These waterways, through which over 400 million tons of goods can be moved each year, have been pivotal in connecting different parts of Louisiana and helped the local economy to grow exponentially. The waterways of the Basin serve a total of 31 states and provide an important source of water supply and transportation.
Historically, the importance of the Mississippi River goes beyond the economical benefits it brings. The Mississippi is also deeply entwined with Louisiana’s cultural roots, as the river played a vital role in the development of cities, ports and towns which eventually came together to form the state of Louisiana. The river also served as a waterway for the trade of goods between neighbouring states and New Orleans. The large influx of goods helped in stimulating the economy and thus, the whole state of Louisiana prospered through the contributions made by the Mississippi River.
Another key role of the Mississippi River in Louisiana is flood control. With its entrenched path, the river acts as a natural levee for the state. The damming of the river helps to control the magnitude of intense storms and destructive floods. It helps communities prepare for the floods and gives them time to move to safer areas. The Mississippi River also adds to Louisiana’s natural beauty, with its many parks and green spaces, which are beautiful places to take a stroll.
Wetlands
The human-induced engineering of the Mississippi River also played an important role in the formation of Louisiana’s wetlands. The devastating floods in the 19th century, along with the construction of major dams, greatly impacted the wetlands of the state. The land was filled with sediment, helping to form the wetlands. This formed the foundation of the unique ecosystems and creatures which call the Mississippi River Basin home.
The Mississippi River Basin also provides breeding grounds and habitats for multiple species of fish, birds, and other aquatic creatures. The river also serves as a source of food and nourishment for the people who depend on it. Every year, millions of citizens of Louisiana depend on the river for food, creating an intimate connection between the river and the masses.
Fishing
Fishing has been an important part of Louisiana’s culture for centuries. The Mississippi River is teeming with numerous species of fish, ranging from the largemouth bass, bream, and catfish for recreational fishing, to the shrimp, oysters, and mussels for commercial fishing. The abundance of fish species gives fishermen the chance to enjoy their sport and make a living off of it. This creates a vibrant community of fishermen and businesses around the river.
The fishing community in Louisiana has grown in numbers with the passing of time, and in an effort to sustain the ecosystem and keep it healthy, the local government has put up several strategies and regulations to help protect the fish population. The freshwater flow system of the Mississippi Basin has helped preserve the balance of marine life, making it a treasure trove of biodiversity, and providing a steady source of food for the local people.
Maritime Ports
Apart from fishing, the Mississippi River has also been a great contributor to the economic growth of Louisiana. Since its first ships set sail in the 1790s, the river has gone on to become the principal workhorse of the city and the state. This can be seen in the number of maritime ports located along the coast, with the prominent ports in Louisiana being New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Morgan City. These ports serve as a channel for importing and exporting goods from around the world, making them an integral part of the state’s business activities.
The Mississippi River has deep and meaningful connections to Louisiana, making it an invaluable contributor to the state’s economy, culture and geography. The river has been with Louisiana since its formation and over the centuries, it has brought in immense wealth, with its trading ports, wetlands, and commercial fishing, as well as its natural beauty, serving as a key source of recreation for countless residents. The Mississippi River has shaped and will continue to shape Louisiana for generations to come.
Levees and Protective Walls
The Mississippi River is also prone to flooding and levees have been built to help protect the people and land. These levees are mostly earthen embankments which act as a physical wall to prevent flooding. The heavy rains that come with a hurricane can cause problems like flooding, but the levees help keep the water and debris at bay, which can hugely benefit the safety and integrity of Louisiana’s communities.
In certain areas, massive concrete walls have been constructed to protect the land from destructive floods. These walls, which are called flood control walls, are strong enough to withstand heavy winds and strong waves. The walls provide a physical barrier to protect the area from flooding and erosion, and hence, the people living nearby can rest assured that their homes and property are safe.
Revenue Collection
The Mississippi River also plays an important role in the collection of revenue for the economy of Louisiana. The waterways in the area serve several purposes and tax collection from the services being provided is an important source of income for the state. These services include collection of fees for shipping, fishing, recreational boat fees, and fees for use of the ports and canals. The taxes are also charged on the value of the goods being shipped, which brings in a significant amount of revenue.
Apart from this, the state also collects profits from the hospitals and casinos which are located near the Mississippi River. The casinos are a major attraction, and people from various states come to gamble, creating a large source of taxable income. The taxes collected are then used to provide public services and maintain the infrastructure of the state.
Economic Stimulus
The Mississippi River has been a great source of economic stimulus for Louisiana. The presence of the river has resulted in an increase in the population of the communities that live near it, and the development of these waterfronts has improved the landscape significantly. The river has also widened the scope of business opportunities and encouraged businesses to open up in the area. Industries like tourism, recreational boating and fishing, and shipping have grown exponentially, providing employment to many. This has stimulated the economy of the state, increasing the rate of employment and helping to reduce poverty.
The Mississippi River has also been a great source of education and knowledge for the people of Louisiana. Through its flood protection and water management systems, people have learnt a great deal about environmental sustainability and resource management. The riverside towns and cities have also provided students with an avenue for interactive and hands-on education about the river.
The navigational safety of the Mississippi River is also very important, due to the heavy traffic in the area. Even though the river is important for commercial and recreational activities, the safety of boaters needs to be taken into account. To make the area safe for navigation, there are buoys marking the pathway and providing warnings when approaching shallow waters or hazardous areas.
Furthermore, the US Coast Guard (USCG) constantly monitors the river and ensures that a safe pathway is always accessible. The USCG also helps to ensure that small pleasure craft remain off the main nav-channel, helping to reduce the possibility of accidents. There are also watch towers located along the river to help provide a better view of the area, and these help to increase the safety levels of the Mississippi River.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River is also subject to various environmental issues and it is important to be aware of the impacts it can have on the environment. One of the major problems faced by the river is the presence of pollutants, which are mostly caused by human activities in the surrounding region. The most important of these pollutants is the run-off from factories and mines, which can cause a decline in the quality of the water. This can also disrupt and destroy the flora and fauna in the area, leading to a decrease in the fish and other aquatic creatures.
Another major cause of environmental damage is sedimentation, which often comes from extensive construction activities. All these activities can cause a decline in the biodiversity, and the river health needs to be monitored regularly to keep it from deteriorating. Appropriate action needs to be taken to protect the river from degradation, and the state has put into place various awareness campaigns to prevent these issues from happening.
