Researchers have noticed a big change in the Mississippi River, that could have a direct impact on the economy.
Water levels in the Mississippi River have dropped to low levels. The water level was so low that new restrictions have been ordered by the U.S. Coast Guard on how much cargo barges can carry. The changes will hurt local farmers and limit their ability to ship food and cargo.
Mississippi River’s Water Level Leads To Order By U.S. Coast Guard
The lower Mississippi River’s water levels have dropped significantly, leading to new restrictions by the U.S. Coast Guard on how much cargo barges can carry due to reduced drafts.
This was necessitated after the river gauge at Memphis reached a low of minus 5 feet on August 30, affecting the river’s navigability.
According to Scott Stiles, an extension economics program associate for the University System Division of Agriculture,
“The gauge at Memphis dropped to the low water threshold of minus 5 feet on Aug. 30. The last two years, the U.S. Coast Guard initiated a 9-foot draft requirement when river levels fall below the low water threshold.”
Sadly, this could impact local farmers and even hurt the economy by restricting the amount of Soybeans and Corn that can be shipped:
Barges plying the shrinking lower Mississippi River have to reduce their draft, meaning operators will have to cut the amount of cargo their boats carry to meet the latest restrictions. Learn more about how this will likely affect #farmers at https://t.co/SG1zg8gORV. @AgInArk pic.twitter.com/ucZvxBRPKb
— Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (@AR_Extension) September 5, 2024
These conditions mean that barge operators must now reduce the amount of cargo they carry. The draft, or the depth to which a boat sinks in water, has been limited to ensure boats do not run aground, affecting the transport of goods ranging from agricultural products to petroleum.
This isn’t the first time such measures have been necessary. Over the past two years, similar drops in river levels led to a 9-foot draft requirement by the Coast Guard, illustrating a recurring challenge for river commerce. The situation underscores the vulnerability of water transport to environmental changes.
The reduced cargo capacity could lead to increased shipping costs and potential delays, impacting regional and national economies. Meanwhile, the environmental implications highlight the broader issues of water management and climate change affecting one of America’s vital waterways.
