Whales
Mississippi River is an ecosystem full of aquatic life, with its vast variety of fish, so it might surprise people to know that whales live in the river, too. Though it is not as common as it once was, the historical record of the area surrounding Mississippi River notes sightings of the mammal. It is estimated that the earliest settlers of the area observed one or two species of whale, Blue Whales and Fin Whales. For example, in August 1810, William Dunbar, a Captain of the Louisiana State Regiment recorded on his journal a ‘large whale’ living the waters of Mississippi.
In the 21st century, the most common species of whale present in the Mississippi River is the Humpback Whale. Its presence there is so significant that they could be classified as ‘true residents’. Humpback whales have been spotted from the north of Louisiana all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, in particular during the spring and summer months. Researchers of Louisiana State University have confirmed that the humpback whale makes a considerable part of the diet of sperm whales in the river. In addition, scientists have established that humpback whales in the Mississippi Estuary have a strong link to their migratory counterparts around the world, meaning the ones living in the river are regularly replenished with new members from the wider population of humpback whales.
Humpback whales have shown resilience to hundreds of years of human tampering with the estuary. The species has managed to adjust to the challenging environment of the Mississippi River and thrive. For instance, they have learnt to consume commercially valuable fish species as part of their diet. This has led to both benefits and drawbacks. The whales are now commonly observed consuming overfished species, invigorating their wild populations. On the other hand, this has caused tension between fishermen and the whale population, leading to restrictions on fishing activities in certain areas of the river.
Dolphins
Dolphins are a regular marine mammal living in the Mississippi River. The species is composed of four distinct populations – Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, Spotted Dolphins, Short-Beaked Common Dolphins and Spinner Dolphins – though the most commonly seen type of dolphin in the region is the Bottlenose. Similar to the Humpback Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins have adapted remarkably well to the aquatic environment and can often be spotted from the surface of the water from the northern coast of Louisiana to the Gulf of Mexico.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has studied the ecology of dolphins living in the Mississippi Estuary for decades. Through the analysis of data and the carrying out of research projects, the scientists came to the conclusion that the dolphin population is on the rise and is relatively healthy. This has been attributed to the massive conservation efforts of both the government institutions and the local communities. As is the case with the humpback whales, dolphins have to compete with local fishermen who, while trying to collect their share of the fish population, accidentally capture dolphins in the process.
Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins living in the estuary can reach a length of around three meters, with females typically larger than the males. While exploring the depths of the river they are capable of reaching speeds of up to 22 kilometers an hour. The estuary has also enabled them to develop an enormous array of hunting techniques that take advantage of the Gulf Stream’s mighty current.
Natives Animals
As expected, Mississippi River is home to a remarkable abundance of aquatic life. Numerous native fish and reptiles call the estuary home. Of particular note is the endangered Gulf Sturgeon, the largest and the scaly fish of the river. These primitive fish can reach up to 7 feet in length and weigh up to 600 pounds. The sturgeon has adapted well to the moving currents of the river and can often be seen jumping in the surface of the water.
Another remarkable native species of Mississippi River is the Muskrat. These semi-aquatic rodents are predominantly herbivores and possess an excellent sense of smell and hearing. They often inhabit the shallow areas of the estuary and can be observed in small family groups or by themselves.
The Paddlefish is an ancient species of bony fishes, related to sturgeon, that resides in the river. Apart from their iconic H-shaped snout, they possess a spectacular set of gills, replete of sensory filaments, that grant the species accurate homing capabilities.
The immense variety of habitats and salinities of the river has enabled a considerable number of amphibians to claim it as their home, amongst which we can highlight the Woodfrog, the six Lined Racerunner, and the Spotted Salamander.
Invasive Species
Unfortunately, invasive species have found their way into the waters of Mississippi River, primarily by following the ships that enter the estuary. What started as an accidental introduction of the Zebra Mussel from Europe in 1988 quickly exploded into a full-blooded invasion of species from all around the globe.
Now the estuary is home to several alien species, such as the Red-eared Slider turtle in Louisiana, or the Niloticus and Chalceus Catfish that range across the entire river. While some of these new species, including the Zebra Mussel, are not considered a direct threat to the native population, many of them do present a considerable danger in the form of competition for resources.
In addition to direct competition, many invasive species can cause harm to local ecology in other ways. The Bull Shark, for example, is an apex predator that lives in the Gulf of Mexico and sometimes wanders into the estuary in pursuit of prey. They have little to no predators and can threaten both fish and amphibians.
Human Impact on Wildlife
The human impact on wildlife in the Mississippi River is both direct, like industrial fishing methods and hunting, and indirect, such as water pollution and climate change. Long-term studies have revealed that the most significant human impact on whales and dolphins has been the competition with commercial fishing. These two species, along with most of the natives, depend on the same source of food, and every year, the dolphin and whale population is diminished by the aggressive competition with the fishing industry.
In addition, lack of knowledge and social pressure has lead to a reduction in the marine reserves of the region. The highly valued resources of the estuary have been drained for years, with hardly any signs of remorse. This has led to local ecosystems becoming exhausted and the native populations being in an inevitably vulnerable state.
Fortunately, the overfishing of the Mississippi Estuary has become a growing concern lately. Several movements have been started in order to protect both the marine life and the local fishermen. One movement in particular, the Nourishing The Estuary Campaign, has grown to become a multi-national organisation with the purpose of raising awareness of the need for conservation.
Conservation Efforts
The conservation of the aquatic species populating the Mississippi River has received plenty of attention lately. Companies like The Nature Conservancy, along with other government improvement initiatives, have started to implement a system of protected areas in the estuary. The group’s initiatives have managed to double the amount of protected wildlife reserves in the region since the 1900’s.
Marine reserves are an essential tool for the conservation of marine ecosystems, as they protect the river’s natural environment while simultaneously allowing the species that inhabit it to recover. Marine reserves also keep habitats pristine, offering an untouched refuge for the approaching generations of aquatic animals.
Similar incentives have been offered to local fisherman in order to conciliate their activities with the conservation efforts. Programs like off-shore release allow fishermen to catch their fare without colonising the riverbed, as well as providing funds for the maintenance of marine reserve.
Sustainable Development
The need for sustainable development runs hand in hand with the conservation of wildlife. The current state of the Mississippi Estuary dictates the urgency for a holistic approach that combines education, protection of resources, and the development of green technologies. The area’s fishermen have an important role in the efforts to maintain balance in the river and the surrounding areas, enhancing the populations of native species while at the same time developing a robust source of income.
Institutions such as the University of Mississippi and even the United Nations have started to devise novel plans to foster sustainable development through educational opportunities and technological advancements, in particular with regards to the conservation of both aquatic and terrestrial species.
In addition, social services like the Active Citizen Program have started to become more commonplace in the region. Community events, scientific campaigns and research projects have been implemented with the aim of teaching the community of the importance of conservation, raising funds for the protection of local wildlife and finding solutions to the overfishing crisis.
Disease Outbreaks
The resilience of the Mississippi River’s aquatic species is often tested by disease outbreaks. Diseases like cetacean morbillivirus and algal blooms have often caused havoc among the local mammalian populations, leaving a devastating trail in their wake.
Marine biologists from the National Marine Fisheries Service have reported impressive losses of all kinds of animals as a result of viruses and algal blooms. These studies also estimate that around 650 individuals of the Humpback Whale species have died due to the effects of a virus in the Mississippi by the year 2014, a worrying trend that must be addressed as soon as possible.
Other results of increased water temperature, like the blooming of algae, can also be devastating to the local wildlife. Fishes, turtles and even the mammalian species deriving nourishment from the river can experience varied levels of damage due to the effects of algal blooms in their immediate environment.
Activism
Activism has also become a major part of the efforts to preserve marine life. Several environmental groups have declared war on shady operations in the river and have gone as far as rallying their forces in the waters of the estuary with the purpose of thwarting illegal fishing activities.
In particular, the organizations like Oceana have risen in prominence in recent years, and are now considered an integral part of the campaign to preserve conservation in the Mississippi River. They lobby to the local governments, trying to include their projects in the plans of the state, and push their revolutionary approaches to ocean conservation.
In addition, a new brand of activism, crowdsourcing, has invaded the mainstream. Many environmental groups have started raising funds through social media, obtaining the needed help to carry out their projects without the funding of major corporations.
Conclusion
The Mississippi Estuary is filled with diverse life, from whales and dolphins to fishes, turtles and even amphibians. Some of these species are native to the river, while others have reached it through recent human interference. As in all parts of the world, humans have had a great impact on wildlife in Mississippi River, from overfishing to the accidental introduction of invasive species. Fortunately, thanks to the work of conservation programs and the growing awareness of the need for preservation, marine life in the estuary is in a relatively healthy state. As humans, it is our job to ensure that by maintaining the high standards of conservation at the same time promoting sustainable development, the success of the Mississippi River can be a success story repeated all around the globe.
