Fish
The Mississippi River overflows with diverse aquatic life, some of the most intriguing being fish.
The sheer number of fish able to thrive in the Mississippi River ranges from the ubiquitous catfish to the various species of sturgeon, paddlefish, sunfish, and its endangered relative, the pallid sturgeon.
In addition to the endemic species of fish, several celebrated game-fish, like large and smallmouth bass, muskies, and several varieties of trout, bring recreational fishers from all over to the mighty Mississippi. Nevertheless, although fishing has its own unique benefits, an increasing number of experts are warning about the potential environmental risks of over fishing.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency fishery biologist, Karen Jameson, elaborates “Regardless of your opinion towards fishing, it is indisputable that over-fishing, or fishing intensively, can lead to population decline, genetic erosion, and ultimately, loss of species or decline in species numbers. ”
Moreover, experts like Jameson highlight that further work is needed to restore the health of fisheries in and around the Mississippi River as the effects of over-fishing are only becoming visible in recent years. Part of this restoration process involves not only educating recreational fishers of the potential repercussions of their activities, but also maintaining a detailed record of the area’s fish population.
Waterfowl
Asides from the various fish, thousands of birds and other wildlife inhabit the Mississippi River and its associated wetland areas. Of particular interest includes the abundance of waterfowl species inhabiting the area, namely geese and ducks.
Avid bird enthusiast, John Morrison, indicates “The Upper Mississippi River, with its providing of valuable habitat, is surely one of the preeminent waterfowl havens in the world. Truly a sight to behold, many waterfowls, geese, and ducks start their journey at the Upper Mississippi, before migrating to parts of Canada, or even returning to their wintering grounds at other areas in the United States. “
In addition to their sheer numbers, many of these species are regarded as important indicators of global ecosystem health and warn of potential consequences of human-driven interjection. Morrison adds “As populations of these species change within the area, so too do the ecological and climatic dynamics. To understand the dynamics at play requires a certain level of bird literacy, but knowledge of these species can provide insight into how human activities have impacted the environment”
Other Wildlife
Although fish and waterfowl are an iconic representation of the unique habitats within the Mississippi River and its nearby wetlands, there is also a plethora of other fascinating wildlife likely to be spotted along the river.
Mary O’ Donnell, a wildlife photographer based in Illinois, discusses the various encounters she has had along the Mississippi River “Each time I come to the Mississippi, I can’t help but be in awe of the sheer abundance of wildlife. I’ve come across everything from beaver to otters, and even a bobcat at one point. All this speaks to the still somewhat untouched conditions of the area and the array of animals it can offer.”
Nevertheless, not all wildlife of the Mississippi is as free-roaming as others, with a notable number of both bird and mammal species at a risk of being listed as threatened or endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Invasive
Species
Furthermore, the Mississippi’s unique wildlife are not only threatened by over-fishing and other human activities but by a number of nonnative invasive species as well.
Samson Sawford, a biologist from Minnesota emphasizes “The varied conditions of the Mississippi River have made it quite the target from nonnative invasive species, with many of these species travelling downstream from the Great Lakes and other connected waterways with the aid of commercial shipping and barge transportation.”
In addition to water-dwelling creatures, a notable number of invasive land-dwelling species have been reported as well, such as feral swine, species of reptiles, and Japanese beetles among others.
While the potential damage these creatures can cause is alarming, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service remains committed to containing both the population of invasive species and over-fishing in order to help minimise its effects and protect the valuable habitats of the Mississippi River.
Additional Resources
To get the most out of your visits to the Mississippi River and its associated wilderness areas, the US Fish and Wildlife Service provides a wealth of information for concerned individuals seeking to aid in the conservation of the area’s wildlife.
For example, general advice spanning from recreational fishing, to land cleaning and other ways to protect the area’s wildlife are available in the form of an engaging and thorough website.
In addition to this, the service also provides an app featuring educational information, emergency tips, and a database of species found along the Mississippi River.
Truly, the resources provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service make a visit to the Mississippi River even more thrilling and educational!
Conservation Efforts
In order to make a lasting impact on the health of the Mississippi River and its associated wetlands, organizations like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with the countless other non-profit groups, have made great efforts in protecting the area’s ecosystems.
Notably, the conservation initiatives implemented by the Fish and Wildlife Service focuses on both the local and wider environment, with many of its projects spanning the greater Mississippi Delta.
Moreover, the organization, alongside many of its non-profit partners, have implemented vulnerable species protection, refuge management, and recreational boating initiatives all to great effect.
Evidently, the progressive conservation efforts of the Mississippi River are helping to improve the area’s habitats and health of its numerous species in the long run.
Community Impact
In addition to the health of the Mississippi River, the preservation of its wildlife is positively impacting the local communities which turn to the area’s resources for recreation, sustenance, and economic activity.
For instance, the implementation of community conservation initiatives, such as education on recreational fishing and sustainable harvesting, provides locals a better understanding of how their activities can impact the health of their local ecosystems.
Furthermore, community wildlife events have initiated conversations around sustainable land management and have provided an educational resource to local schools, introducing students to local ecology.
Without doubt, the Mississippi River is an incredibly valuable resource for local communities and the preservation of its wildlife is essential in ensureing it remains accessible and available for generations to come.
Conclusion
From a plethora of fascinating fish species to its abundant waterfowl, the wildlife of the Mississippi River is both vast and diverse.
The sheer number of species inhabiting the area, from endangered to nonnative invaders, underscore the urgency of the conservation measures needed to help protect and restore the health of its habitats, for both local and global environmental benefit.
Overall, the preservation of the Mississippi River, along with its unique and brilliant wildlife, is not just an individual, ecological effort but a collective effort of local communities, volunteers and non-profit organizations, who are actively working together to restore the area’s health.
