Ecosystem-Based Restoration of Fish Habitat in the Lower Mississippi River and Gulf Coastal Region

The Lower Mississippi River (LMR) flows between six states beginning at the confluence of the Ohio River down to the Gulf of Mexico.  Like most great rivers, the LMR has been impacted from river regulation for flood control and navigation.  Despite these activities, the LMR remains free-flowing and supports the most productive floodplain fishery in North America, sustaining at least 110 species of fish in more than 12 types of major aquatic habitats.  The Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee (LMRCC) was established in the 1990’s to cooperatively develop a plan to address LMR conservation issues. In 2000, the organization adopted a LMR Aquatic Resource Management Plan. This plan provides coordinated activities to conserve and restore the river's resources, develops financial support from governmental agencies and industrial partners, promotes natural resource-based economic development, and increases public outdoor recreation opportunities. Field studies are ongoing to prioritize and document benefits of LMR restoration projects. The LMR not only supports a diversity of riverine functions along its 1,000 mile course, but also provides nourishment to Gulf coastal marshes that have been severely degraded due to impacts of hurricanes, subsidence, and river regulation. The Louisiana Coastal Area Ecosystem Restoration study was initiated in 2005 to reduce saltwater intrusion that impacts production of oysters, shrimp, fish, and other wetland-dependent species.  Diversions of Mississippi River water, nutrients, and sediments into coastal wetlands are the primary method being used to restore the integrity of this ecosystem.  Comprehensive monitoring of fish and habitat associated with diversion projects continues to fully understand benefits to the Gulf coastal region. Recently, the LMRCC was chosen as a candidate organization for the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHAP). This partnership will focus attention on the LMR ecosystem, provide a framework to seek Congressional action for its management, and acquire dedicated funding for its restoration.