Protecting the Mississippi River Delta

The islands, estuaries, and wetlands of the Mississippi River Delta provide habitat to migratory birds, economically important finfish and shellfish, and endangered or threatened animals such as Kemp's ridley sea turtles. The coastal zone is also home to nearly two million people and critical industries that help feed and power the nation.

Unfortunately, the Mississippi River Delta is experiencing the highest rate of land loss in the United States.

Outlying communities are losing land to the Gulf and wildlife habitats are shrinking. Stronger hurricanes and rising seas threaten jobs, as well as the region's unique culture and the integrity of coastal ecosystems.

The good news? The delta can be renewed and sustained if we reconnect the Mississippi River - and its land-building power - to these vital coastal wetlands via a suite of large- and small-scale restoration projects.

Our Work to Restore the Delta

The National Wildlife Federation partners with the Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society and Pontchartrain Conservancy for the Restore the Mississippi River Delta coalition, based in New Orleans. The coalition blends outreach, communication, science and policy action to move projects in the Mississippi River Delta from idea to reality.

Our overall objective is to ensure that Louisiana's delta and wetlands are stable and sustainable for people and wildlife. To do this, the National Wildlife Federation and its partners are working to:

• Expedite the design and implementation of large-scale initiatives that restore the Mississippi River’s natural capacity to build land, including the Mid-Barataria and Mid-Breton Sediment Diversions.
• Ensure the safety of communities and businesses in the river delta by advocating for hurricane protection that includes structural and non-structural measures.
• Strengthen community education, support and input for large-scale coastal restoration projects.
• Create sustained national and state funding and political will to move restoration from plan to action.