Exploits River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Exploits River |
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Red Indian Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador |
| River mouth | Bay of Exploits, Newfoundland and Labrador 0 m (0 ft) |
| Length | 246 km (153 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1,100 km2 (420 sq mi) |
The Exploits River is a very important river in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It flows through the middle part of Newfoundland island. This river is known for being the longest river on the island. It is also a vital home for many fish, especially Atlantic salmon.
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How Long is the Exploits River?
The Exploits River is about 246 km (153 mi) long. This makes it the longest river on the island of Newfoundland. It is also the second longest river in the entire province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Only the Churchill River is longer. The Exploits River drains a huge area of land, covering about 1,100 km2 (420 sq mi).
Where Does the River Flow?
The Exploits River starts at Red Indian Lake. This lake is located in the central part of Newfoundland. From there, the river flows north. It eventually empties into the Bay of Exploits. This bay is near the port town of Botwood. The river's journey connects the heart of the island to the Atlantic Ocean.
What Animals Live in the Exploits River?
The Exploits River is a crucial place for Atlantic salmon. These amazing fish travel up the river to lay their eggs. This process is called spawning. Many other types of fish also live in the river. The number of salmon in the river has grown a lot over the years. This happened after special structures called fish ladders were built.
What are Fish Ladders?
Fish ladders are like staircases for fish. They help fish swim past natural barriers, like waterfalls or dams. Before fish ladders were built, some parts of the Exploits River were blocked. Salmon could not reach these areas to spawn. The ladders opened up new sections of the river for them. This helped the salmon population become much larger.
Which Rivers Join the Exploits River?
Several smaller rivers flow into the Exploits River. These are called tributaries. They add more water to the main river. The main tributaries of the Exploits River include:
- Lloyds River
- Victoria River
- Buchans River
