{"id":9405,"date":"2023-10-14T19:20:07","date_gmt":"2023-10-14T18:20:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=9405"},"modified":"2023-10-14T19:20:07","modified_gmt":"2023-10-14T18:20:07","slug":"are-there-fish-in-the-mississippi-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/are-there-fish-in-the-mississippi-river\/","title":{"rendered":"Are There Fish In The Mississippi River"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Impact on Fish<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River has had a long and varied history. Since 10,000 years ago, it has had a constant presence in the lives of people and the fish that inhabit its waters. There have been various changes in the river from decades of commercialization, human pollution, and over-fishing. As a result, the fish that inhabit the river have been subject to environmental changes. An abundance of fish can indicate a healthy ecosystem and many fisheries in the United States depend on the Mississippi River for their livelihoods. There have been many efforts to track the decrease of fish species in the river, but the exact numbers remain unknown.<\/p>\n

One of the main reasons for the decline of fish in the Mississippi River is the commercial activity that has been on the rise since the 1950s. Large vessels such as barges and tugs are frequently seen on the river, resulting in a disruption of the fish migration and distribution patterns. As the water is often stirred up during their navigation, it can became sedimented and murky, leading to a reduction in the amount of both sunlight and oxygen reaching the seafloor. This impacts the fish in the water as it reduces their access to food and therefore their overall health.<\/p>\n

Another factor that has had an effect on the fish is pollution from human activities. Industrial waste from factories and other businesses is often being dumped into the river. The chemicals and other toxins present in this waste have been proven to be damaging to the fish in many aspects, from the foods they consume to the water they swim in. This pollution has had a significant impact on fish in the river and it is likely to continue unless major changes are made to ensure the safety of the fish population.<\/p>\n

Habitat Changes<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River’s environment has undergone drastic changes in the past few decades due to human activity and agricultural runoff. This has caused drastic fluctuations in the water levels of the river, leading to destruction of the fish’s habitat. For example, when the levels are low the amount of food available to the fish is greatly diminished. Additionally, the destruction of vegetation and other plant life along the banks of the river can greatly reduce the amount of shelter available to fish and other aquatic organisms.<\/p>\n