The Mississippi River is one of the largest, most culturally significant rivers in North America. Reaching out 1,289 km in length, it is a major player in both shaping and sustaining life along its banks. The Mississippi River mouth, where it meets the Gulf of Mexico, is home to an impressive array of wildlife and ecosystems, as well as contributing to one of the most important wetland systems in the United States.
In an area known as the ‘Dead Zone’, the Gulf of Mexico plays host to an enormously vast ecosystem, characterized by depleted oxygen levels. In order for life to flourish here, organisms are obligated to adapt to the oxygen deficient water, unable to co-exist with many of the creatures present in other parts of the ocean.
The Mississippi River, however, being a vast source of fresh water, provides a unique opportunity for organisms to thrive. As the fresh water from the Mississippi enters the Gulf of Mexico, the oxygen content is significantly increased. This influx of oxygen helps marine life to thrive and contribute to the Dead Zone’s growing population of fish, plants and other sensitive aquatic species.
Not only does the Mississippi River contribute to the sea’s oxygen levels, but it also plays a huge role in the overall health of the Gulf of Mexico. The sediment and nutrients carried downstream are driven into the Gulf of Mexico where they act as a vital source of food and energy for many organisms. The murky appearance to the water that marks the transition from the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico is a tell-tale sign of the river’s huge role in providing the nourishment needed for the marine life to thrive.
The meeting of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico forms an incredibly important offshore barrier, acting as the final gateway between the river’s freshwater input and the open sea. This transition zone is known as the Mississippi Barrier Coast and is home to a huge number of bird species, many of which use the area to rest and breed during their long-distance migrations.
The Mississippi Barrier Coast is also a major refuge zone for a huge variety of fish, reptiles and amphibians. Many of the fish that use the barrier coast as an area of refuge spend their lifecycle in the Mississippi River before venturing into the Mediterranean and even the Atlantic Ocean. As such, this transition zone plays a vital role in many fish populations.
From a human perspective, the crossing of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico has major economic and cultural implications. Home to numerous energy companies and oil rigs, the Mississippi River mouth is of great strategic importance, doubling as a highly sought-after shipping route for many large freighters and other vessels.
Economic Impact
The combination of the Mississippi River’s resources and the Gulf of Mexico’s energy production offers a unique opportunity for many businesses. From drilling and refining to transportation and petrochemical production, the joining of these two great bodies of water brings a vast range of economic opportunities.
Furthermore, the presence of the transportation and refining industry also provides Governor’s of the states along the Mississippi Coast with a powerful position in the international community. International treaties have even been formed between the United States, Mexico and the European Union which further emphasize the importance of this area and its potential.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of this area, however, is as equally significant as its economic impacts. Oil spills, false bot attacks, climate change and more have potentially damaging effects on the water quality and the local ecosystems, with the crossing of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico presenting some of the largest challenges in the area.
The threat of oil spills is always at the forefront of any discussion, however, the problem begins before any oil leak occurs. In most cases the water quality is already compromised when the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico due to a combination of agricultural and industrial runoff, as well as other sources of pollution.
The Gulf Ecosystem, one of the largest in North America, is particularly affected by the pollution presence in the river before it reaches the sea. Meaning the water quality is often more compromised here than other parts of the coast, making it more vulnerable to any type of contamination.
Adaptability of Wildlife
The area is also home to an extensive and fascinating species of wildlife, able to thrive in an environment of such complexity. Species such as mollusks, crustaceans, sea turtles and marine mammal are able to survive despite the waste and contamination that seeps into the sea.
Many bird species also call the barrier coast home. This area of the coast has been highlighted as an important area for migratory birds in order to rest, feed and unload before completing their intercontinental migrations.
It is also important to note the importance of the barrier coast in terms of providing a sustainable ecosystem for fish such as red snapper, flounder, southern kingfish and amberjack. These species thrive particularly in the area as they feed on food sources released by the Mississippi River and are able to successfully navigate the barrier coast area before venturing further offshore.
The Fight Against Pollution
The environmental issues that arise in this region are often complicated and overwhelming, however, there have been numerous successful efforts to curb the amount of pollution that is released.
Organizations such as the Mississippi River Basin Alliance and Restore the Mississippi Delta Coalition work to ensure that legislation and standards are followed, helping to ensure legal protection for the coastal environment and its inhabitants.
Additionally, in 1993, the US Environmental Protection Agency established the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force in order to further reduce the amount of agricultural runoff flowing from Midwest farms into the Gulf of Mexico. This organization works with farmers, landowners and local communities in order to address nutrient surplus, preventing it from washing into the sea.
Conclusion
The meeting of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico is an incredibly important part of North America. It serves as an area of refuge for both humans and wildlife, providing sustenance, nourishment and shelter. Not only does this area provide an invaluable economic backbone to the United States, but it also serves as an important link to the ecosystems of both the river and the sea.
As such, it is evident that the relationship between the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico is something that needs to be cherished and preserved for generations to come. Despite the environmental concerns that threaten this region, initiatives are in place to protect its future, creating a bright and sustainable future for the area.
