Species Diversity
The Mississippi River is home to a vast array of aquatic life, including hundreds of species of freshwater fish. From the shallow, rocky creeks near headwaters and the vast, deep river pools to massive oxbow lakes, the Mississippi provides the right conditions for a wide variety of aquatic animals. These include more than 200 species of fish including minnows, sunfish, bass, catfish and carp.
Common Species
The most common species in the Mississippi River are the American shad, an anadromous fish that migrates from the ocean upstream to spawn. Other common species include lookdowns, gizzard shad, lake sturgeon and lake whitefish. But the most abundant species are the wide variety of minnows, including the brook stickleback and the fallfish. These small fish are food for larger predators.
Endangered Species
The Mississippi River is also the home of several endangered species of fish such as the pallid sturgeon, a critically endangered species that was once abundant in the river. The shovelnose sturgeon, lake sturgeon, paddlefish, and trout are also endangered species that require special protection.
Threats
The species of fish in the Mississippi River are under intense pressure from development and human activities. Pollution and runoff from agricultural, industrial and urban areas are major threats. Overfishing, introduction of invasive species and loss of habitat due to damming are also significant threats. A recent study by the US Geological Survey found that large scale-habitat modification altered the composition of fish communities in the Mississippi basin.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts are underway to protect the fish species in the Mississippi River. Artificial fish spawning beds are one way to help repopulate areas suffering from habitat loss. Fish passages and hatcheries are being employed to help fish move back and forth between spawning grounds and deepwater areas. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is making strides to ensure the survival of endangered species.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture is one way to restore species populations in the Mississippi River. By stocking ponds with fingerling fish, fish hatcheries are able to replenish the local fish populations and restock depleted rivers. It is estimated that up to 1 million fingerlings are planted each year.
Sport Fishing
Sport fishing is a popular pastime in the Mississippi River. The number of species of game fish in the river has taken a hit in recent years, but there are still plenty of opportunities to catch catfish, bass, walleye, crappie and sunfish. Anglers enjoy the challenge of hunting for smaller fish such as rock bass, bullhead and redhorse suckers.
Restoration
Restoration of the fish species in the Mississippi River is ongoing, but progress is slow. Changes in water quality and fewer fish to forage on have caused declines in many species. To ensure the future of fish species in the Mississippi, environmental organizations, fishermen and governments are investing in restoring the river ecosystem. Through conservation, controlled fishing and protecting existing habitats, experts hope to restore the river to its former abundance.
Water Quality
Water quality is key to protecting fish species in the Mississippi River. The US Environmental Protection Agency monitors water quality and enforces strict water pollution limits and standards. Improving water quality and preventing pollution is essential to sustaining the wide variety of fish species in the Mississippi.
Research
Researchers are studying fish populations in the Mississippi in an effort to better understand the effects of habitat loss, pollution, and climate change on fish populations. In particular, researchers are focusing on understanding the impacts of environmental factors on the movements and behavior of species. By learning more about the fish species in the Mississippi, experts hope to be able to plan for and protect them better in the future.
