The Mississippi is the second longest river in North America and is widely known for its enormous size and sprawling length. Spanning 2,340 miles, it is the major river system in the United States, emptying its waters into the Gulf of Mexico. It is the most heavily subsidized and regulated of the rivers in the United States and the biggest contributor to the biodiversity of the US Gulf region.
Its source lies in the northeastern Laurentian Mountains of Minnesota and its waters flow southwards down the length of North America, covering major states like Illinois, Kentucky, and Louisiana, finally emptying its waters into the Gulf Mexico’s Gulf of Mexico. Along its journey to the Gulf of Mexico, the mighty Mississippi is joined by more than 700 tributaries and sub-tributaries. About fifty islands are located on the mainstream part of the Mississippi traversing Louisiana. These islands have the potential to serve as protected wildlife refuges.
The river emptying contributes to the growth of aquatic life and sustains many species like fish, turtles and molluscs. It also serves as a nursery area for many fish species which are used for commercial purposes. Estuarine and coastal ecosystems are dependent on the inflow of fresh Mississippi waters for their existence. Expensive wetland fisheries, plentiful commercial seafood and recreational opportunities are only but a few of the benefits provided by the Mississippi River.
Experts agree that the Mississippi plays an important role in the economic activity of the US Gulf region and specifically in Louisiana, where the river mouth is located. The mouth of the river brings about 6 million tons of sediment each year, that when released into the Gulf, help the low-lying land remain elevated above sea level. This plays an important role in protecting homes and business, and providing habitat diversity, prompting many locals and experts to speak in favor of the river’s importance.
However, human activities like deforestation and over fishing have caused a drastic fall in fish populations and concentrations, with some species on the brink of extinction. Several societies and conservation organisations have been established in an attempt to combat this concerning situation. Poor water management has led to the depletion of wetlands and marshlands, hindering the growth of precious ecosystems and wiping out many species.
Nevertheless, the positive affects of the Mississippi River still overshadow its negative aspects today, with its water quality improving even despite all the human-induced effects. The introduction of efficient filtration and cleaning systems, in addition to increased federal regulations, have all played their part in maintaining river health and promoting aquatic species life. Furthermore, the State Fisheries Commission continuously monitors the parameters that affect the water quality such as salinity, chloride levels and the dissolved- oxygen content.
Habitat Improvement
The Mississippi River is an important source of breed for a multitude of species, prompting many habitat improvement plans along its journey. Significant work is being carried out to introduce and maintain stable habitat conditions, where species can develop and create new grounds. This includes strategies to make the river less deep and to create more shallow areas, which make it easier for species to thrive. The restoration of sandbar-shoal habitat is also part of the agenda, given the range of species which require it to grow.
In addition, the installation of water flow structures such as rock weirs to re-establish natural areas is being implemented. These works are aimed at maintaining river levels and providing species with areas of refuge to create habitats. The improved flow structures should also contribute to high nutrient levels in the system which are in high demand for biodiversity and growth. These structures are expected to stimulate organic material transport and sediment deposits, greatly improving water flow in the river.
The Mississippi has since its birth been a main source of transportation especially for commercial purposes. Well-known barges and other freight vessels float down its waters, connecting many industrial hubs and cities with valuable cargo. With over 6 million tons of cargo transported over long distances, it is clear why river navigation is an essential part of the Mississippi ecosystem.
Furthermore, the facilitated movement of goods has enabled many states to depend and benefit from the increased commerce and interchanges which the river brings. Riverside businesses have been able to survive thanks to river transportation. It is often seen that barge operators are able to provide direct access to businesses who, otherwise, would have had to make expensive infrastructure upgrades.
It is important to note that thousands of jobs depend, in one way or another, on the Mississippi’s connectivity. The freight industry alone has proven to be a key source of employment for many, creating numerous opportunities and providing a source of income for families. River navigation also enables local communities to transport recreational equipment, leisure products and other kind of goods over long distances in a timely manner.
Environmental Campaigns
Many environmental campaigns have been set up in order to raise awareness of the importance of the Mississippi and its ecosystem. These campaigns aim to educate the public on the importance of keeping the river, and its tributaries, safe and clean. The science-based campaigns are aimed at increasing public access to data and information, providing the public with information about the issue through informational leaflets and adverts, and encouraging people to take action for the cause.
The campaigns often call for reduced waste, greater water protection measures and a reduction in chemical release. Many people are encouraged to join in local clean-up initiatives, such as beach or river cleanups, to keep the river’s waters free from plastic, chemicals, and other pollutants. Some campaigns even go a step further by proposing measures such as floating solar farms, to produce renewable energy and reduce the river’s stress.
The campaigns’ successes have certainly been felt in recent years, as water quality has improved, producers have held higher standards and, most importantly, the Mississippi is regaining its beauty and vitality. With widespread support and collaboration from locals, environmental groups, and other stakeholders the Mississippi is slowly being restored, opening a new era of development and progress.
Environmental Impact
The state of the Mississippi has been matter of discussion over the decades, as its presence is being felt throughout the United States and beyond. Researchers have been studying the river’s environmental impacts, with the emphasis on the streamflow, salinity and the marshlands.
It is widely known that the the Mississippi is the main source of freshwater for the Gulf of Mexico. It is water flux that has helped the Mississippi to form its estuaries, wetlands, and mudflats, providing its various ecosystems with a safe home and proper nourishment. It is also responsible for the formation of the estuarine habitats, a key element for species food webs and fisheries.
The increased salinity from the Gulf of Mexico is being observed in the downstream reaches of the Mississippi, however, the current regulation efforts should not alarm any person. The increase of salinity rates has been balanced with the construction of new freshwater outlets, levees, pumps, and more. Therefore, the Mississippi’s current water balance should remain relatively stable in the following years.
Pollution and Clean-Up
The polluted waters of the Mississippi used to pose a risk to both the environment and public health. It was in the 1960s, when pollution levels reached their heights and sewage was being dumped upstream. In addition to the domestic waste, agricultural and industrial factories were taking advantage of the river’s waters, disposing of their hazardous liquids.
It was not until a 1970s lawsuit, ordered by then-president Richard Nixon, that serious clean-up efforts began. In 1972, the Clean Water Act was passed, officially launching the clean-up efforts. Currently, the Mississippi plagues serious pollution-related problems, such as oil and chemical spills, as well as general degraded water quality.
Organised clean-up efforts, such as regular beach and river cleanups, are still in the process of recovery, however, the future of these vital riversides ecosystems is still uncertain. The impact of human activities can still be felt in its waters, and further efforts have to be taken in order to restore the river to its former health. It is in our hands to decide the fate of this iconic waterway.
Market Strategies
The Mississippi’s fisheries hold a high commercial value, as the river supplies local and international markets with fish. The demand for fish has been growing over the past few years, which has caused local officials to develop pricing strategies in order to protect the river’s population. Bidding strategies and considerable investment in long-term sustainability, has enabled fish prices to remain rather stable.
However, some experts caution against current pricing strategies, arguing that the increase in prices tend to discourage local fish consumption, thus reducing the demand for fish from the region. This translates into decreased eco-tourism and fisheries-based activities, leading to job cuts and loss of income. It is also argued that local communities are dependent on the fish to provide for their families.
A more moderate approach to pricing has been suggested by experts, as more flexible pricing systems have better potential to achieve local markets cultivation. Creating incentives and rewarding buyers could lead to substantial improvements in local economies and in the conservation of fisheries.
Adapting to Climate Change
River levels in the region have been rising since the 1950s and climate change projections indicate further rises in the coming years. In order to “adapt”, measures have been taken by local organisations and governments, in order to protect people’s homes and the wildlife of the Mississippi. Apart from that, new strategies for river channel management have been put in place in order to shape the river more efficiently and combat the rising waters.
Additionally, flood protection systems have been developed to protect communities and homes which are located in the heavily populated area just south of the river mouth. These initiatives aim to hold back the stronger currents and tides, providing a safe environment and allowing people to thrive in the area.
It needs to be noted that coastal restoration is also taking place, in order to hold back the sea levels and combat the severe damages caused by storms and extreme weather events. The wetlands in the area, which are especially vulnerable to the risinglevel, are being restored and even created in some areas. These measures, however, have generated controversy, as some experts argue that it, in some cases, it might be more efficient to abandon and relocate these areas.
