For life to survive on this planet as we know it, fresh water is an essential resource. Rivers such as the Mackenzie River bring with them abundance, biodiversity, and steaming evolution.
Winding its way through the boreal forests of the North-West territories of Canada, the Mackenzie River forms the 2nd largest river basin in North America, bested only by the Mississippi River system.
The Mackenzie, along with its tributaries, make up the 13th longest river system in the world, traveling for 2,635 miles (4,241 Km) before forming a large delta and emptying into the ocean, although its main stem is much shorter.
The McKenzie River endures a national reputation for its outstanding scenery, cold, clear water, and magnificent vegetation and is also classified as a scenic waterway by the state of Oregon. The “Blue McKenzie” or “Blue River” is well-known for its exceptional water quality, resulting from low turbidity, absence of organic material, and the excellent water quality of its tributaries.
Below, we’ll take a deeper look into the icy waters of Canada’s largest river.
Geography
The ultimate source and headwaters of the Mackenzie River can be found at Thutade Lake, in the north of British Columbia. The water flows through the Finlay and Peace Rivers, meeting up with the Slave River and eventually emptying into the Great Slave Lake.
It’s at the Great Slave Lake that the Mackenzie River’s main stem finds its source.
From the Great Slave Lake, the Mackenzie River flows northwest for 1080 miles (1,738 km) and empties into the Beaufort Sea, making it the largest river flowing into the Arctic from North America.
The ice on the lower Mackenzie River typically begins to break up in late May. By the end of May or early June, the channels in the Mackenzie River delta are usually clear of floating river ice, with the western channels affected by the earlier breakup of the Peel River. In the Beaufort Sea, sea ice generally remains offshore from the delta throughout June, especially when prevailing winds are onshore. In June, the Great Bear River, a significant tributary, swells with meltwater, contributing to the Mackenzie’s flow towards the Arctic.
The river’s drainage basin is massive, covering 1,805,000 km2, which is roughly 20% of Canada.
This drainage basin supports a wide variety of ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, tundra, and Arctic coastal habitats.
River Course
Along its course, the river basin covers five Canadian provinces and territories, including British Columbia (BC), Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and Northwest Territories, although the river’s main stem is found only in the Northwest Territories.
The river’s journey is framed by the majestic Mackenzie Mountains, creating a stunning backdrop for adventurers and nature lovers. And while it does not directly traverse the Cascade Mountains, its tributaries and the overall watershed are influenced by the mountain ranges that define Canada’s rugged landscape.
When the river eventually empties into the Arctic Ocean, it forms a Delta that covers an area of approximately 4,600 square miles (12,000 km2).
The delta holds significant historical culture, but its wonders lie in its numerous channels, distributaries, islands, and wetlands, which result in a complex and intricate network.
This network of river channels and small sediment-formed islands have created habitats for a variety of plant and animal life.
Ecosystem
The Mackenzie River, along with its watershed, supports a variety of life thanks to its diverse array of habitats.
With more than 60% of its drainage basin supporting boreal forest and approximately 20% creating wetlands and marshes, an abundance of birds, reptiles, mammals, and aquatic life can be found taking advantage of the river’s resources.
Plant Life
The boreal forests, also known as taiga forests, consist of mostly coniferous trees that are well adapted to living in cold climates year-round.
Some popular trees in the area include Black spruce, Aspen, Poplar trees , Paper Birch, Fire Snag, Willow, Wild Rose, Trembling, Tamarack, Green Alder, Jack Pine, Balsam Poplar and Arboreal Lichens.
The northern banks of the river bring with it large areas of muskeg and peat bogs, as well as willow trees and vegetation such as dwarf birch.
To the South of the Great Slave Lake, you can find riparian habitats with its corresponding vegetation and alpine forests.
Animal Life
Thanks to its mostly untouched habitats and extensive range, the biodiversity of the Mackenzie River is rich in abundance and holds great significance to the ecology of the area.
Birds
The Mackenzie River, along with its Delta, the Slave, and the Peace-Athabasca Deltas, form essential habitats for birds, both migratory and non-migratory bird species.
Sandhill cranes, brant, glaucous gulls, arctic terns, dabbling ducks, tundra swans, greater white-fronted geese, and shorebirds are a few among the bird species that are commonly found around the Mackenzie River and its delta islands.
Thousands of birds make use of the deltas as a stop-off point during their winter migrations, and at times these numbers can reach well over 400,000 individual birds.
In 1975, the number of the lesser Snow Geese reached approximately 323,000 for their species alone.
Mammals
The river and its surrounding areas support a variety of mammal species, including moose, caribou, river otters, minks, foxes, wolves, black bears, grizzly bears, wolverine, and of course, bison, beavers, lynx, marten, ermine, wood bison, snow show hare, red squirrel, arctic ground squirrel and muskrats, which played an important part in the fur trade.
Beluga Whales are also popular in the Mackenzie River and can be seen in the thousands when caught at the right time.
Reptiles and Amphibians
As the river lies high in the northern hemisphere, temperatures remain cold year-round, which does not provide a perfect environment for cold-blooded animals such as reptiles and amphibians.
Although there isn’t a large diversity of reptiles and amphibians on the Mackenzie, some species, such as the garter snake and wood frog, Striped Chorus Frog and Western Toad can be found in the region.
Fish
Many of the fish species found in the Mackenzie River can be found in the Mississippi River due to a theory that the two river systems were connected during the ice ages.
There are 53 native species of fish in the Mackenzie Basin, with the species in the upper and lower basins being much the same, despite the prevention of lower basin fish making their way upstream due to strong rapids.
A few of the fish species that can be found in the Mackenzie River and surrounding drainage basin include:
- Lake sturgeon fish
- Rainbow trout
- Arctic char
- Lake trout
- Broad whitefish
- Inconnu
- Goldeye
- Lake whitefish
- Burbot
- Walleye
Historical Overview
The Mackenzie River holds a fascinating history of human utilization, ranging back thousands of years.
Indigenous communities, like the Dene and Inuvialuit, relied on its waters for travel, sustenance, and trade, all before European explorers first laid eyes on it in the late 18th century.
Alexander Mackenzie first made his way down the Mackenzie River in hopes of reaching the Pacific Ocean but instead found the Arctic when he reached the river mouth.
In the 19th century, the fur trade drastically increased, massively affecting the ecology of the area, including the lives of the indigenous people.
Beaver and muskrat populations drastically dropped, and along with the cold rush in the 20th century, brought European disease, which wiped out much of the local human population.
Oil was also found in the river, but due to bad construction of the pipelines, it was not extracted for a long period. Today, Norman Wells, located along the Mackenzie River, is still a key community in the river’s course, known for its historical significance in the oil industry.
Most prominently, however, today, the river’s value lies in its fish diversity, hydro-electrical power potential, freshwater source, transport, and recreation.
Tourism
The Mackenzie River, a gem in Canada’s crown of natural wonders, offers a plethora of activities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Hikers can explore numerous trails along the Mackenzie River including a 26-mile McKenzie National Recreation Trail which provides recreation opportunities and allows easy accessibility to some spectacular geological phenomenon. It provides breathtaking views of the river’s journey through the Mackenzie Mountains.
Numerous campgrounds dot the banks of the Mackenzie River, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this vast waterway.
Beyond the trails and campgrounds, the river is a haven for kayakers and canoeists who navigate its waters, reveling in the serene beauty and the gentle flow that guides them through untouched wilderness.
Fishing enthusiasts flock to its banks annually, drawn by the promise of abundant catches, including Arctic char and lake trout, in its pristine waters. In the winter months, the river transforms into a different kind of playground, with ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing taking center stage, offering a unique perspective on the Arctic landscape.
The Great Slave Lake, the river’s primary source, is particularly popular for its deep, clear waters and the spectacular Northern Lights displays that illuminate the night skies above.
Impact of Mackenzie River on Oceans
The Mackenzie River is crucial to the Arctic environment and the communities that rely on its waters. Spanning a vast and ecologically diverse region, it serves as a vital link between inland ecosystems and the Arctic Ocean. Understanding the impact of pollutants and climate change on the Mackenzie River is essential for effective conservation and management.
1. Sources and Transport of Pollutants in the Mackenzie River
Pollutants in the Mackenzie River primarily originate from natural processes and human activities such as urbanization, industrialization, and land use changes. These pollutants are carried through river systems and eventually discharged into the Arctic Ocean, contributing to global environmental challenges.
Mercury Pollution in the Mackenzie River Basin
Mercury is a significant pollutant in the Mackenzie River, originating from both natural sources and human activities. The river plays a role in transporting mercury to the Arctic Ocean, where it can accumulate in marine ecosystems. This poses a threat not just to the river basin but to the broader Arctic environment.
Mercury and Methyl Mercury: Environmental and Human Health Impacts
Graydon’s research and earlier studies reveal that the Mackenzie River transports various forms of mercury, including methyl mercury, a neurotoxin mainly passed to humans through contaminated fish. This leaves northern communities vulnerable, as their diets heavily depend on Arctic fish species and Beluga whales. Studies have shown that Beluga whales in the western Arctic exhibit higher mercury levels than those in the eastern Arctic.
Graydon emphasizes that previous estimates of mercury export over a year are premature due to the complex effects of spring ice-jamming and the influence of numerous delta lakes on water chemistry. Since the Arctic has few direct sources of mercury, it is primarily impacted by global atmospheric mercury transport. Coal-fired power production is one of the most significant contributors to this type of pollution.
2. Plastic Pollution Pathways to the Arctic Ocean
Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans, including the Arctic, is increasingly alarming. Rivers such as the Mackenzie serve as pathways for this pollution, linking inland sources to the ocean. The highest risk for transporting plastic occurs in summer when river discharge peaks due to snow and ice melt. Evidence suggests that river systems retain much of the plastic, but some still make it to the Arctic Ocean, contributing to environmental degradation.
Research indicates that microplastic transport plays a significant role, with the Severnaya Dvina River being a major contributor to microplastic contamination in the White Sea. Similarly, Siberia’s Ob, Lena, and Tom rivers discharge large amounts of microplastics into the Eurasian Basin. Despite the limited understanding of the fate of river-borne plastic pollution, it is clear that the Mackenzie River is a critical pathway for plastic pollutants into the Arctic.
3. Knowledge Gaps and Research Needs
There is an urgent need to enhance our understanding of pollutant transport and retention within river systems like the Mackenzie. Seasonal changes, such as ice-jamming in spring and delta lakes’ influence on water chemistry, play a significant role in how pollutants are transported. Addressing these knowledge gaps will be crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies.
4. The Broader Impact on the Arctic Ocean
The pollution in the Mackenzie River basin significantly impacts the health of the Arctic Ocean. The river discharges pollutants, including mercury and microplastics, into the ocean, affecting marine ecosystems and the communities relying on these waters. Protecting rivers like the Mackenzie is, therefore, a critical step in the global effort to conserve our oceans. By addressing inland pollution, we can mitigate its downstream effects, ensuring a healthier Arctic environment.
Climate Change and Its Impacts on the Mackenzie River Watershed
Climate change is affecting the McKenzie Creek watershed, influencing seasonal patterns and water availability. Research indicates that there will be potentially earlier winter flooding events due to rising temperatures and increased precipitation. Additionally, peak streamflow intensity in March is expected to decline because of a reduced snowpack.
Summer droughts may become more frequent due to increased temperatures, leading to higher evaporative water loss and decreased precipitation. These changes will likely result in lower water availability in spring and summer, causing stress for communities that depend on the watershed. Despite a projected increase in annual precipitation and streamflow, the region will experience periods of water scarcity. These findings are vital for resource managers and communities in the Great Lakes region to adapt and prepare for the future impacts of climate change.
Threats & Conservation
Protecting the Mackenzie River requires a combination of conservation efforts and strategic management to mitigate pollution. This includes regulating industrial activities, monitoring pollutants, and implementing sustainable practices in surrounding communities. Climate change impacts, such as early winter flooding and summer droughts, also need to be factored into future conservation plans.
The majesty of the Mackenzie River faces several environmental threats, from climate change affecting its water levels and flow patterns to industrial pollution and the encroachment of development along its banks.
Overfishing and habitat destruction pose significant risks to its diverse aquatic life.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this vital ecosystem; initiatives include habitat restoration projects, sustainable fishing practices, and the implementation of pollution control measures.
Indigenous communities, who have lived in harmony with the river for thousands of years, play a crucial role in these conservation efforts, bringing traditional knowledge and a deep commitment to preserving the river for future generations.
Mackenzie River Trust has played role by protecting 9000+ acres, planting million of trees and shrubs and restoring of 25miles of salmon bearing streams.
Interesting Facts
- The Mackenzie River is named after Alexander Mackenzie, the first European to traverse its length in 1789.
- It freezes over for up to six months each year, creating an ice road that serves remote communities.
- The river’s delta is one of the largest in the world, providing critical habitat for migratory birds.
- Despite its vast size, the Mackenzie River’s flow is not navigable for large ships due to its shallow depth.
- The river’s waters are home to the rare beluga whale population during the summer months.
- It plays a crucial role in the Arctic climate system, influencing local weather patterns and ecosystems.
FAQs
How has the Mackenzie River been impacted by human activities?
The fur trade and resource extraction significantly impacted the way of life for indigenous communities and put pressure on the ecosystem due to increased hunting. Roads, buildings, and other developments altered the landscape’s natural flow and displaced human and animal locals.
How has climate change impacted the Mackenzie River?
Climate change has had visible effects on the Mackenzie River and its surroundings, with the region experiencing changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and permafrost. These changes can alter river flow, affect fish populations, and impact the livelihoods of Indigenous communities.
Are there any conservation efforts in place for the Mackenzie River?
Various organizations and government agencies are working to implement sustainable practices and protect sensitive areas along the river. The specifics of the projects change from time to time, but there is always a large push for collaboration with indigenous communities with the aim of recreating a balanced ecosystem.
What are the major tributaries of the Mackenzie River?
The major tributaries of the Mackenzie River include the Peace River, the Liard River, the Slave River, and the Athabasca River, although there are several smaller rivers that feed into it.
