Pollution
The Mississippi River is a key part of the U.S. environment. But this river is often seen as a site of pollution, both from legacy pollutants, like mercury, and from newer, more risky ones. While it’s important to protect the Mississippi River from additional pollutants, it’s also important to understand the effects of existing pollution on the river’s current fish population.
Selenium is one of the many heavy metals found in the Mississippi. It’s released from non-point-sources such as runoff from agricultural fields and wastewater from industrial activities. Selenium accumulates in the bodies of aquatic organisms such as fish, and can negatively impact their development, reproduction, and success in their natural habitats.
In the Mississippi, selenium levels vary greatly. A study in 2015 by the U.S. Geological Survey measured selenium concentrations in fish tissue in 84 of the surveyed sites and found concentrations ranging from below detection limits to as much as 32 times the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limit.
In addition to selenium, fish in the Mississippi are exposed to other heavy metals and chemical pollutants, such as mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Mercury is a naturally occurring element, but it’s also a by-product of a variety of industrial processes, including burning coal and other fossil fuels. It bioaccumulates up the food chain and can cause severe neurological damage to humans and wildlife. PCBs, which were once used in various industrial and manufacturing processes, are also notorious as environmental contaminants. They can have deleterious effects on the health of wildlife, including fish.
Such pollution levels in the Mississippi could pose a risk to wildlife. However, the extent of the damage to the fish population is unclear. The Mississippi is home to at least 176 different fish species and over 400 varieties of fish. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, fish populations in some areas of the Mississippi River have experienced a decrease in size and abundance due to pollution.
The impacts of pollutants on the Mississippi River fish population can also vary depending on the size and age of the fish. Studies have found that juvenile and smaller fish may be at greater risk of being exposed to harmful pollutants in the river, as they are usually more likely to feed close to the river bottom and in shallow areas that are less well oxygenated.
Given the complexity of the Mississippi River’s environment and the pollutants it is exposed to, it is difficult to accurately determine the total number of fish in the river. Additionally, many of the fish species are migratory and travel between the main channel and its tributaries, making it even more difficult to accurately assess the size of the fish population.
Restoration Efforts
Despite the challenges of accurately assessing the total fish population in the Mississippi River, efforts are underway to restore the river’s fish population. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have launched a number of initiatives, such as the Clean Water Act, to restore and protect the quality of the water in the Mississippi. The EPA has also set water quality standards for various pollutants that must be met in order to maintain healthy aquatic habitats.
In addition to government initiatives, non-profit organizations are also making efforts to restore the river’s fish population. The Nature Conservancy is leading a program to expand and improve aquatic habitats in the Mississippi River by reintroducing native fish species, restoring wetlands, reforesting, and improving water quality. They are also working with local stakeholders to reduce pollutants and restore aquatic habitats. The National Wildlife Federation is also involved in similar efforts, focusing on reducing pollutants and restoring aquatic habitats throughout the Mississippi River basin.
In addition, state governments and other organizations are also working with local communities to reduce the amount of pollutants in the river. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, for example, is working with local stakeholders to reduce fertilizer runoff into the river, as well as providing technical training and resources to farmers and other land owners to help prevent pollution from entering the river.
The efforts of the EPA, Nature Conservancy, and other organizations may help reduce levels of targeted pollutants in the Mississippi River. This, in turn, could lead to healthier fish populations and improved habitats for aquatic life in the river.
Environmental Education
In order for these efforts to be effective, it is important to educate the public about the importance of protecting the river and its fish population. Environmental education can inform the public about the dangers of pollutants and potential solutions, while engaging citizens in activities that help protect the river and its fish population. Such activities can include volunteering to clean up the river, restoring nearby wetlands, and planting native vegetation.
Some organizations, such as the Mississippi River Network, are working to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Mississippi River and its fish population through education. The organization works with a variety of partners such as schools, government agencies, and non-profits to provide educational programs, support research, and implement restoration projects. Additionally, they provide curricula and field trips to help students learn about the health of the Mississippi River and its fish population.
In addition to environmental education, there are other ways to engage the public in protecting the river and its fish population. Local groups are organizing events such as fish “touch tanks”, fishing days, and river cleanups, to help raise awareness about the importance of the river and its fish population.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an important part of the U.S. environment. Unfortunately, the river is subjected to many pollutants, including heavy metals and chemical pollutants, which have a detrimental effect on the fish population. It is difficult to accurately assess the total number of fish in the river, as many of the fish species are migratory. However, there are efforts underway to restore the river’s fish population, including government initiatives, non-profit organizations, and state governments. In addition, environmental education and public engagement are important tools that can help raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Mississippi River and its fish population.
