Stretching 2,350 miles from its source in Lake Itasca, Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River is regarded as the fourth longest river in the world. The significance of the Mississippi River lies in its vast and maze-like river basin which covers a total area of approximately 1,245,000 square miles. However, it is the Mississippi River Delta that is considered to be the main attraction in terms of its spectacular landscapes and overall biodiversity. Across the delta lie marshy lands and lakes created by the slow-moving freshwaters, a vibrant forest and swamps, extensive coastal wetlands and the vast estuary of Mexico’s eastern coast.
Its breathtaking scene has been studied and documented extensively to understand its importance in the North American landscape and also the overall impact that it has on regional societies and the global climate. To measure its size with more accuracy, experts have classified the region as broadly consisting of three distinct parts. The locals refer to it as ‘the birdfoot’ delta due to its unique shape.
The first part has the widest area of land expansion and is known as the ‘upstream delta’. Rich in wildlife, this region has remained largely untouched and continues to draw numerous visitors for its spectacular beauty and plentiful natural resources. The second and middle section is often referred to as the ‘estuarine delta’, formed by the migration of sediment from the upstream delta sliding further down and depositing in the Gulf of Mexico. With a flat and marshy land, the estuarine delta offers a habitat for countless wildlife species like American alligators, American egrets and American white ibis.
The final part of the delta is popularly known as the ‘coastal delta’. Spanning a vast area, this area contains the wetlands, marshlands, lagoons and barrier islands that bound the Mississippi portion of the estuary. Along with being an attractive tourist spot, the coastal delta also adds to the overall significance of the river basin as it is highly productive, sustaining a variety of commercially important fishes, which help to supply the food market.
So far, researchers have estimated the total size of the Mississippi River Delta, including all its parts, to be about 32,882 square miles. Although its size has decreased significantly over the years, due to the influence of various industrial activities, the incredible diversity within the delta remains intact. For experts, the Mississippi River Delta still remains an interesting natural formation, with potential to educate us further on the subject of sustainable development.
Climate Change and River Delta
Climate change is one of the major causes of sediment erosion in the Mississippi River Delta, contributing to its shrinking size. As temperatures rise over the years, water levels in the estuaries and hence, the sedimentation decreases. Water has become shallower, allowing for more predatory fish which further reduce the abundance of a variety of important marine species. Due to the increase in human activities in the coastal region, pollutants, like harmful chemicals and agricultural run-off, are ending up in the river and harming its unique ecology.
The rising sea levels, predicted to increase even more in the future, also threaten to degrade the current size and shape of the delta and increase the occurrence of storms and floods in the areas. The locals are already facing significant changes, with significant losses in many areas being reported each year. According to some estimates, the Mississippi Delta goes underwater in the Gulf of Mexico annually, losing one football field every 15 minutes.
To restore the balance of the region, experts recommend that a comprehensive and collaborative initiative needs to be followed which integrates input from both the local population and the world of research. By mapping out a detailed strategy focusing on habitat restoration, sediment diversions, natural protection measures and potential funding, it will be possible to ensure the preservation of the Delta to some extent.
Economic and Social Impacts
The Mississippi River Delta supports a range of important economic activities, from oil and gas drilling to shipping and tourism. Taking into account the variety of industries it supports, it is easy to see how the river basin plays a vital role in the economic structure of the United States. Moreover, it also serves as a source of employment for many locals, creating jobs for the people living in the area.
On the other hand, the Delta is also affected by its strong forces of hospitality and local culture. The locals here have been a community since ancient times and still maintain its traditional customs, culture and values. Tourism plays a major role in the region, with visitors flocking to admire the beauty and get a taste of its warmth and hospitality.
Moreover, it is also important to note the impact of the Delta on the environment and health of the locals. Toxic pollutants are causing a significant threat to the health of certain fish and bird species in the area, while towns and villages on the banks of the river fall into jeopardy due to recurring floods.
Wetland Preservation Efforts
To save this region for future generations, several public initiatives have been taken in the past to help preserve its rich ecosystem. The Wetlands Conservation and Restoration program, launched in 1979, resulted in reestablishing numerous acres of wetlands in the region, generating great amounts of fish and wildlife. Similarly, the Coastal Wetland Program was also introduced to highlight the importance of wetlands and educate people about its various conservation efforts.
Another noteworthy effort to protect the wetlands and birds in the region was the Coastal Waterbird Survey, begun in 1991, which has increased awareness among the public about the value of shorebirds and led to effective conservation actions.
The Mississippi reserves have been declared as a National Monument in 2001. This move ensures that the delta remains far away from human activities and will remain a breeding ground to higher wildlife species and natural habitat. The National Monument also act as a symbol of commitment to the preservation of nature and the ecosystem within the Delta.
Political Impacts
Recently, the Mississippi River Delta has become a major political issue in the United States and local government is taking aggressive steps to protect the main sources of income and employment in the region. The government has also approved a $15 billion-dollar Act to address the various environmental changes throughout the Delta. With hope, this act will be effective in restoring the integrity of the Delta and providing adequate support to the local residents.
This act faces a lot of criticism from environmental activists who believe the bill does not go far enough to mitigate the impact of human activities on the Delta. They point out how it does not address the key issues of sediment diversions and water flow management, both of which need to be monitored and managed if the Delta is to survive the changing times.
Furthermore, there are deep divisions between the locals, who favor the government’s initiatives to save the Delta, while other experts view the bill as an aggressively developed solution which could have serious consequences. The lack of infrastructure and lack of funds to properly implement the Act further add to the already complicated nature of the situation.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River Delta is an incredibly important environmental region with immense ecological and economic value. Its unique shape and structure stands as a vivid reminder of the natural world’s delicate balance and the importance of preserving it. With the right collaborative effort between the different stakeholders, the future of the region can be assured.
