Black River (Jamaica)
The Black River is one of the longest rivers in Jamaica. At a length of, it was believed to be the longest until it was discovered that the Rio Minho was long. Its name refers to the darkness of the riverbed caused by thick layers of decomposing vegetation.
Over 100 species of birds have been recorded in the Black River morass. A area of the river basin, encompassing much of the Upper and Lower Morass, has been designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International because it supports significant populations of many Jamaican bird species.
Geography
Upper Morass
Running past Newton, the river flows into the Upper Morass being joined by the 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 reputation as 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 and Middle Quarters are located between the Upper Morass and the Lower Morass. Middle Quarters is famous for its crayfish, known locally as ‘hot pepper shrimps.’ The traps used by the fishermen are similar to those of the Niger River in Africa; knowledge of their making was brought to the island by slaves over 300 years ago.
Lower Morass
The Lower Morass consists of shallow estuaries, marshland and mangrove swamps, providing a rich ecological environment for a broad range of fish, birds and other creatures including lobsters, mangrove snappers, snook and mullet. Here the river is joined by the YS river making the Lower Morass the largest swamp environment in the Caribbean.American crocodiles inhabit the swamps, but the population has declined, due mainly to loss of habitat as heavy draining for agricultural or tourism destroys their nesting places. Birds found here include egrets, herons and ospreys. The mangrove trees of the Lower Morass are sometimes spectacular with aerial roots sent out like spiders' legs, sometimes dropping into the river.