The Mississippi River is an integral part of the ecology, culture, and history of the United States, as it serves as a major transportation route for goods, industry, and people. But it has recently stirred a big controversy concerning its shut down. Earlier in 2020, environmentalists have proposed to close the Mississippi River in order to preserve its biodiversity, decrease the population of commercial vessels and tourist barges, and to protect the river’s fragile ecosystem. Signs of this proposal have caused huge debates to break out, as some are adamantly against the closure, while others are pressing for its implementation.
On the other side, opponents of the complete closure of the Mississippi River assert that the move might have severe implications, as industries and fishermen heavily rely on this river. While tourism is a flourishing industry that heavily depends on the river’s dynamics, the unemployment rate due to a complete shut down would skyrocket and the typical way of living for all living things within the river, would be drastically affected.
Experts argue that closing the Mississippi River would be relatively hard to implement and it might cost the government more money than necessary due to the restoration of the area after the closure is terminated. On the other hand, spending money towards the preservation of this important natural resource is a worthy cause for all involved parties. Since the river is a great source of freshwater and many plants and animals use it for their habitat, closing the Mississippi River could guarantee conservation on the long-term.
However, others have suggested the potential of a partial shutdown, which might be the optimal solution. By closing specific parts of the river, the government would be able to prevent the influx of vessels while simultaneously preserving the ability of fishermen and industry to benefit from the river. A partial closure also carries less of a financial burden, which makes it a viable option.
Moving away from the idea of a complete or partial closure, some are also advocating for the instatement of tighter regulations, so people can still enjoy the river’s activities but with certain restrictions. Moreover, implementing environmental protection policies along the riverbanks could also lead to immense preservation and ultimately, long-term conservation. There are numerous ways to approach the Mississippi River situation.
Improvement of Pollution Levels
The pollution levels of the Mississippi River have been increasing for years and this could be a massive factor behind the idea of closing the river. Nobody wants to visit a dirty and polluted place and the river needs to be updated and improved so that people can enjoy its beauty without having to worry about their health. A good approach to lower the pollution levels is to implement better sewage systems that adhere to modern regulations and to clean up the riverbanks. If the people living along the banks participate in the cleaning process, then the mission to make the river healthy again would become a lot easier.
Moreover, implementing restricted speed limits on boats using the river could also have a positive effect, as it can stop unnecessary collisions, decrease the risk of accidents, and make the river much safer overall. It is proven that speed limits reduce the noise pollution of vessels as well.
Opening up access to the river and allowing it to be used by different types of crafts could also help create a wide economic base and bring more stability to the region.
Conclusion
It is clear that the Mississippi River is an important component of the environment and it needs to be taken care of. It remains controversial whether closing it down would be beneficial, as it might have detrimental consequences in the long-term. Nevertheless, by implementing stricter policies, providing more access to the river, and working on reducing the pollution levels, the government can ensure long-term safety and protect the river from further destruction.
