The Mississippi River, the fourth largest river in the United States, is home to thousands of species of fish. It’s estimated that more than one hundred species of fish currently inhabit the Mississippi River, making it a haven for biodiversity. To properly assess how many species of fish are in the Mississippi River, we must look at the history of the river and its environment, the fish species present now, and the changes that are ongoing.
History
The Mississippi River is a major spawning ground for many fish species. In the 1500s, when Jonathan Carver and other European explorers arrived in the region, they found an abundance and variety of fish in the river. At the time, the river was teeming with sturgeon, paddlefish, catfish, and other species. It was so abundant in fish that it was called the King’s Highway of Fish.
The following centuries brought European expansion, industrialization, and changes to the land. The resulting changes in water flow and quality caused a decline in fish populations. The Mississippi River was subjected to over-fishing and commercial farming, resulting in a decline in fish populations.
By the 1940s, only about twenty species of fish were left in the Mississippi River. In fact, the decline in fish was so dramatic that the river was officially declared an endangered waterway in 1994.
Present Species
The good news is that since regulations have been put into place, there has been a steady increase in species living in the Mississippi River. Today, there are over 100 species of fish living in the river. These include large game fish, such as bass and pike, as well as smaller species, like bluegill and sunfish.
The most common species of fish in the Mississippi River are catfish and carp. Catfish are bottom-dwellers, and they make up a large portion of the fish population in the river. Carp are also common, and they feed primarily on the algae in the river.
In addition to the more common species, there are also several endangered species that inhabit the river. These include the pallid sturgeon and the lake sturgeon. The pallid sturgeon is especially important to the region because it is a keystone species and its presence is vital to the health of the river and its other inhabitants.
Changes Over Time
The Mississippi River is a dynamic and ever-changing ecosystem. It is continually subjected to changes in its environment, whether it be due to climate change, pollution, or human activity. The fish population of the river has also gone through several changes over time.
For example, invasive species have become a major issue in the Mississippi River. Carp, for instance, have been introduced to the river by humans and are now considered to be an invasive species. Similarly, the Asian carp has become established in the river, and it is now a serious threat to native fish species.
The effects of climate change are also being seen in the fish population of the Mississippi River. Water temperature and water levels have begun to fluctuate more frequently, stressing the fish and affecting their population numbers. Warmer water temperatures, for instance, make it harder for the species to survive.
Conservation
Fortunately, various organizations and conservation projects have been put in place to protect the fish of the Mississippi River. One such project is the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program, which was established in 1996. The program works to improve the health of the river and its plants and animals, including fish.
The program has created habitat protection zones, banned the use of certain chemicals, and restored wetlands areas. All of these efforts have had a positive impact on the fish population in the Mississippi River.
In addition, conservation efforts have been made to protect endangered species. For instance, the Pallid Sturgeon Conservation Plan was implemented in 2001 and has made great strides in protecting the species.
The Mississippi River is an important ecosystem, and its fish population is an integral part of that ecosystem. It is important to ensure that the fish population is protected from human and environmental impacts. Through conservation efforts such as those outlined above, and continued monitoring, the number of fish species in the Mississippi River will be able to flourish for generations to come.
Overfishing
One of the main threats to the fish population of the Mississippi River is overfishing. Overfishing has led to a decrease in the number of species in the river, and could lead to the extinction of certain species.
Commercial fishing is one of the main contributors to overfishing in the Mississippi River. This type of fishing involves large-scale operations and the use of large amounts of fishing gear. The use of this gear often catches more than just the targeted species, resulting in destruction of other fish populations.
Sport fishing is also a problem in the river. Fishers often take more than their legal limit of fish, leading to a decrease in fish numbers. In addition, fishers often incur by-catch, which is unintended catch of other species. This can lead to the destruction of other species, and can decrease the overall fish population of the river.
The effects of overfishing must be taken into account when assessing the fish population of the Mississippi River. It is essential to protect natural fish populations and ensure that fish can thrive in the river. Only then can we ensure that the Mississippi River continues to be a home for a diverse range of fish species.
Pollution
Another major issue facing the fish population in the Mississippi River is pollution. Pollution in the river comes from a variety of sources, including agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial waste. This pollution enters the river and can have serious impacts on the fish population.
High levels of pollution can lead to oxygen depletion,also known as hypoxia, which is a major threat to fish species in the Mississippi River. This lack of oxygen affects the fish directly and indirectly, resulting in reproductive issues, lower growth rates, and higher mortality.
Pollution can also affect the fish indirectly by destroying the food sources they need to survive. Pollutants can accumulate on the river bottom, altering the river’s ecology and reducing the amount of food available to fish. It can also cause changes to the river’s chemistry, resulting in the death of fish.
In order to protect the fish population of the Mississippi River, it is important to reduce the amount of pollution entering the river. The use of more sustainable agricultural practices, proper sewage treatment, and tighter regulations on industry are all steps that can be taken to reduce pollutants in the river.
Habitat Loss
Habitat loss is another major threat to the fish population of the Mississippi River. As human development increases, wildlife habitat decreases. This has led to a loss of spawning and nursery grounds for fish species, resulting in a decrease in the fish population.
In addition, the building of dams can also lead to habitat loss for fish. Dams can disrupt the natural flow of the river and can cause habitat destruction in the form of sedimentation and habitat fragmentation. This can have serious consequences for the fish population in the river, limiting their movement and preventing them from accessing their natural spawning grounds.
To protect the fish of the Mississippi River, it is important to take steps to reduce habitat loss. This can include increasing wildlife corridors and establishing protected areas. It can also involve working with local communities and organizations to create sustainable development plans that take into account the needs of the fish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are over one hundred species of fish living in the Mississippi River. These species face a number of threats, including overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss. However, through conservation efforts and better management of the river, it is possible to protect the fish population of the Mississippi River and ensure that the river remains a haven for biodiversity.
