Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river in the United States and certainly one of the most influential. Its waters have been used for trade, transport, agriculture, and industry for thousands of years. Besides its great historical importance, the Mississippi River is also a major environmental resource and waterway. There is no doubt that the Mississippi River is a crucial part of the economy and environment of the US.
The Mississippi River flows over 2,350 miles on its journey from the Minnesota River to its outlet in the Gulf of Mexico. Its watershed covers all or part of 31 US states and two Canadian Provinces that drain approximately 1.2 million square miles. Over 400 species of fish, mussels and snails have been found in the Mississippi’s waters with an estimated total population of over 2.6 million.
The Gulf of Mexico is the water body that the Mississippi River flows into. It is the 9th largest water body in the world, covering an area of about 5,800,000 square miles. It is a major shipping route as well as important for oil, gas and tourism. The water temperature is usually warmer than that in the Atlantic Ocean making this region a popular winter cruising destination. The entire Gulf of Mexico coastal region has a population of more than 40 million people.
The effects of the Gulf of Mexico on the Mississippi River are vast. For example, the increased water level in the Gulf of Mexico is caused by the influx of water from the Mississippi River. The Gulf protects the lower Mississippi River from extreme storm surge and helps to distribute sediment into the Gulf. Seafood populations are also dependent upon the fresh water and nutrients that flow down the Mississippi River.
The interaction between the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico is further complicated by anthropogenic changes to the environment. Pollution, development and the increase of shipping in the Gulf all affect the ecological stability of the region. Additionally, changing weather patterns caused by climate change can have unknown consequences on the region.
Experts say that the US must work together to protect the health and overall welfare of the entire Gulf of Mexico region. This includes protecting the water quality, preserving the habitats of the Gulf, supporting and promoting sustainable fishing, and protecting the natural resources from pollution, overharvesting and overdevelopment.
There is no doubt that the flows of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico are both connected and in turn dependent upon each other. The US has worked hard to protect these waters for the past several years and will continue to do so in the future.
Impact on Wildlife
The Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico both provide vital habitats for many species of wildlife. Over 250 species of fish and more than 1,000 species of birds have been identified in the Gulf of Mexico. The wetlands, marshes, and estuaries of the Gulf provide essential feeding areas, spawning grounds and nursery areas for various species of the wildlife and many of these areas are impacted by the influx of fresh water from the Mississippi River.
For example, the coastal and estuarine resources along the Gulf of Mexico provide critical habitat for the spawning and growth of some of the fish populations including the highly sought after red drum, speckled trout and flounder. Further, the Mississippi River deposits nutrients into the Gulf which are essential for the primary productivity within the system. The increased influx of nutrients from the Mississippi River into the Gulf has been shown to support the growth and survival of more than a dozen species of fish and other aquatic life.
The Gulf Coast is also home to many species of mammals and reptiles, including species threatened by human activities such as sea turtles, manatees and bottlenose dolphins. The fresh water and sediment brought by the Mississippi River are essential for the health of these species, as they provide shelter and food. The southern coast of the Gulf is also home to a wide array of migratory birds and an important stopover along the annual migratory route.
Many endangered species are also impacted by the flow of the Mississippi River. For example, the West Indian Manatee has lost many of its traditional habitat areas due to the increased outflows of the Mississippi River. Further, the increased recreational activities in areas around the Gulf of Mexico have driven some species away and caused a decrease in their populations.
Ultimately, the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico are inextricably linked and must be taken into consideration when attempting to protect the environment.
Environmental Impact
In addition to its impact on wildlife, the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico are also vitally important for the environment. The infiltration of fresh water from the Mississippi River triggers the process of estuarine circulation. This process allows for the freshwater to mix with the saltwater of the Gulf of Mexico and creates an ecologically ideal habitat for aquatic organisms.
The increased water level in the Gulf can also have a dramatic effect on the coastline of the states along the Gulf. The outflow of fresh water and sediment from the Mississippi River can cause the coastline to erode and even change the shape of the shoreline in some cases. Further, the increased level of nutrients in the Gulf of Mexico can lead to eutrophication and cause a decrease in water quality.
The Mississippi River is also a major source of pollution and other human-caused changes to the environment. Excess nutrients from fertilizers, runoff from urban areas, and industrial pollution that is discharged into the river can have an immense impact on the aquatic life in the Gulf. In addition, the introduction of invasive species through the Mississippi River is a major concern. These species can out-compete or even eradicate native species, further damaging the environment.
Overall, the influence of the Mississippi River on the Gulf of Mexico is undeniable. The fresh water and nutrients it brings to the Gulf create an ideal habitat for a wide array of wildlife, while its pollution may have dire long-term effects. Thus, it is important to consider the environmental impacts of the Mississippi River when attempting to preserve and protect its resources.
Management Strategies
Due to the importance of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, the US has put in place multiple strategies for their protection. For example, the Mississippi River Watershed Collaborative has implemented multiple initiatives to reduce the nitrate loading from agricultural runoff into the Gulf. Additionally, local and state government agencies have provided funding for projects to reduce the pollution from urban runoff, such as the installation of green infrastructure and stormwater systems.
Further, the US has implemented policies, such as the Gulf of Mexico Water Quality Standards and the Total Maximum Daily Load Program, to reduce the amount of nutrients and other pollutants coming from point sources in the Mississippi River. These policies ultimately aim to reduce the long-term impacts that may be caused by the inflow of these nutrients and pollutants into the Gulf.
Additionally, the US has also improved fishery conservation efforts in the Gulf of Mexico by implementing management plans such as the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Restoration Strategy. These plans aim to reduce overfishing, protect spawning populations and promote sustainable fishing practices.
The US has also developed the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, a partnership between the state governments of the Gulf Coast that works together to address environmental issues, build resiliency, and protect and restore natural resources. This alliance serves to bring together the great minds of the region to work on common problems and to mitigate and prevent the impacts of environmental change.
Sustainable Practices
In order to protect the delicate balance between the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, sustainable practices must be put in place and followed. This includes reducing the discharge of pollutants from agricultural, urban and industrial sources into the river. It is also essential to minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural areas near the Mississippi River and to practice conservation-minded farming.
In addition to land management, conservation practices such as the use of natural habitat restoration techniques can help protect the integrity of the Gulf’s ecosystem. These techniques include the planting of native vegetation, the creation of wetlands, and the restoration of estuary barrier islands. Such practices provide important habitats and help to improve water quality while also providing habitat for many species of birds and aquatic life.
The US also supports sustainable fishing practices in the Gulf of Mexico. This includes limiting the total catch of certain species and restricting the use of certain fishing methods. Furthermore, the US has created the Gulf-Wide Nutrient Reduction Plan, which aims to reduce the nitrogen and other nutrient inputs from non-point sources in the Gulf of Mexico. This plan is designed to protect the water quality of the Gulf and reduce the amount of eutrophication caused by excessive nutrient inputs.
Ultimately, sustainable management practices are essential for protecting the balance between the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. These practices need to be put in place and followed in order to preserve the environment and preserve the resources of the region.
Conclusion
The connection between the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico is clear. The inflow of fresh water and sediment from the Mississippi River has helped to shape the ecology of the Gulf while also impacting the environment at large. It is essential that the US works together to protect the resources of this region by implementing management strategies, encouraging sustainable practices, and ramping up conservation efforts.
