Black River (Jamaica)

The Black River is one of the longest rivers in Jamaica. At a length of 53.4km (33 miles), it was believed to be the longest river in Jamaica until it was discovered that Rio Minho was 92.8 km long. [ [http://www.jnht.com/heritage_site.php?id=197 Jamaica National Heritage Trust - Black River] ] Its name refers to the darkness of the river bed caused by thick layers of decomposing vegetation. Over 100 species of birds have been recorded in the Black River morass.

Its source is in Cockpit Country where it runs underground before emerging north of Siloah on the southern fringe Cockpits. Passing through Maggotty, the river runs alongside the road and goes down several small waterfalls and the Black River Gorge located in the Apple Valley Park. Running past Newton, the river flows into the Upper Morass merging with Smith River and other smaller tributaries, where thick rushes flourish. In the Elim area, a fish farm cultivates the ‘Jesus fish’, a variety of African perch, so called because of its reputationas a prolific breeder. The Jacana is also known locally as the ‘Jesus bird,’ as it gives the impression of walking on water when it wades among the floating leaves of aquatic plants.

Lacovia is located between the Upper Morass and the Lower Morass. Here it joins the YS river making it the largest (14,085 acres) swamp environment in the Caribbean. Middle Quarters is famous for its crayfish known locally as ‘hot pepper shrimps.’ The traps mused by the fishermen are similar to those of the Niger River in Africa and were brought to the island by slaves over 300 years ago.

The Lower Morass consists of shallow estuaries, marshland and mangrove swamps providing a rich ecological environment fora broad range of fish, birds and other creatures including lobsters, mangrove snappers, snook and mullet. Saltwater crocodiles inhabit the swamps but the population has declined due mainly to loss of habitat as heaving draining for agricultural or tourist purposes destroys their nesting places. Other birds are include egrets, herons and ospreys. The mangrove trees are sometimes spectacular with aerial roots sent out like spiders' legs, sometimes dropping 40 feet into the river.

Logwood tree trunks were floated down the Black River to the port to be shipped to England for making of dyes.

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