Introduction
The Mississippi River is a major river system that runs from Minnesota, through eight states to the Gulf of Mexico and has been a vital part of shipping and industry for centuries. One of the most important stretches of the river is near New Orleans, where it has enabled a thriving port city to be established. How wide is the Mississippi River near New Orleans? In this article, we explore the width of the river and the importance it has played in this vibrant city.
River Width Near New Orleans
The Mississippi River is one of the widest rivers in the world, and near New Orleans it varies between 1.5 miles and 2 miles at its widest. Over the last two centuries, engineers have been adding acres of banks and levees to increase the navigable channel, as well as control flooding in the area. It is estimated that these efforts have doubled the width of the river in recent times. The current width is largely manmade, a result of the expansion work by engineers, who have also changed the course of the river to their advantage.
Vital to the Economy
The river is vital to the economy of New Orleans and the surrounding area, with shipping and transportation of goods providing a major source of income for the city. The Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP) near Grand Isle is the largest offshore oil port in the world, with ships from all over the globe visiting the LOOP to transport oil from the nearby oil rigs in the Gulf. The LOOP also serves as a transshipment point for oil, gas and chemicals that are shipped to other ports around the world.
Cruise Ships and Barges
The river is also a popular destination for large cruise ships, with ships departing from New Orleans to visit destinations such as Baton Rouge, Memphis and Nashville. In 2013, the river saw more than 200 vessels pass through its waters, transporting passengers and cargo to their destination. As well as carrying passengers, the river is also used to transport goods and commodities via barges, which are pushed by tug boats.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River is an important source of water for communities and industries along its length, providing irrigation, drinking water and recreation for surrounding areas. The river has also been an important source of food for indigenous people for centuries. However, the increasing width has had a negative environmental impact, with a decrease in the natural flow of the river and the displacement of native species. Efforts are being made to reduce the channel size, in order to protect the environment.
Government Regulations
The US government has implemented a range of regulations to control the shipping industry and its impact on the environment. The Clean Water Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Rivers and Harbors Act and the Endangered Species Act, are just some of the laws that are enforced to protect the river.
The Benefits of a Wide Mississippi
Despite the toll the wide Mississippi takes on the environment, there are still advantages to its width near New Orleans. It has enabled a major port city to be established, providing jobs and opportunities to many. It has also enabled industry to thrive in the area, with the LOOP providing an important source of income. Additionally, the wide Mississippi provides an important source of travel, with people from all over the world coming to experience its culture and beauty.
Business Opportunities
The wide Mississippi near New Orleans allows businesses to capitalize on the waterways for both trade and travel. With vessels of all sizes able to navigate the river, businesses can transport goods in bulk from the LOOP to other countries, as well as transport tourists to different destinations. Additionally, businesses have the opportunity to provide services to visiting tourists and ship passengers, such as tours and accommodation.
Conservation Efforts
In recent years, conservation efforts have been made to protect the wildlife in and around the river. Groups and organizations have been carrying out research into the effects of the wide Mississippi, in order to identify areas of concern and develop solutions. Furthermore, some fishing and hunting restrictions have been implemented in order to protect the species native to the river.
Final thoughts
The Mississippi River near New Orleans has been widened over the decades in order to enhance navigability, while also providing important shipping and travel opportunities. While there is no denying the importance of the river to the economic prosperity of the area, the widening has had a negative environmental impact. Nonetheless, efforts are being made to conserve the river and its wildlife for future generations.
