Waterways of New York
New York City is home to a variety of waterways that surround its five boroughs. These waterways are not only a crucial part of the city’s geography but also of its history and its economy. The waterways of New York City serve as a gateway for imports and exports, provide recreational opportunities for residents and tourists alike, and support diverse ecosystems.
The Hudson River: A Major Waterway
The Hudson River is one of the most significant waterways in the United States and plays a crucial role in the economy of the state of New York. The river extends from its source in the Adirondack Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, passing through the mid-section of the state before flowing past the western edge of New York City. The Hudson River is used for transportation of goods and people, as well as shipping, recreation, and conservation efforts.
The East River: A Busy Channel
The East River is a tidal strait that separates Manhattan from Brooklyn and Queens and connects New York Harbor to Long Island Sound. Despite its name, the East River is not a river but an estuary, which means that it is a body of water where freshwater mixes with saltwater from the ocean. The East River is one of the busiest channels in the world, with numerous ferries, barges, and other vessels transporting people and goods throughout the region.
The Harlem River: A Hidden Gem
The Harlem River is a narrow tidal strait that separates the Bronx from Manhattan. It connects the Hudson River to the East River and is significant because it creates the only water boundary between Manhattan and the Bronx. The Harlem River has a rich history and is home to several parks, including the Roberto Clemente State Park and the Harlem River Park. Despite its location in the heart of New York City, the Harlem River remains a hidden gem, with many residents unaware of its existence.
New York Bay: A Gateway to the Ocean
New York Bay is the entrance to the port of New York and New Jersey, one of the largest ports in the world. It is a natural harbor that is formed by the confluence of the Hudson River and the East River. The bay is home to several islands, including Liberty Island, which is home to the Statue of Liberty. New York Bay is a significant gateway to the ocean and is essential for the shipping industry, recreation, and conservation efforts.
The Long Island Sound: A Natural Border
The Long Island Sound is a tidal estuary that separates Long Island from the mainland of Connecticut and Rhode Island. It is a critical body of water that serves as a natural border between the states and provides a habitat for diverse marine life. The Long Island Sound is also a popular destination for boaters, anglers, and beachgoers. The sound is fed by several rivers, including the Housatonic, Thames, and Connecticut rivers.
The Atlantic Ocean: A Vast Resource
The Atlantic Ocean is the vast body of water that lies to the east of New York City and is the second-largest ocean on Earth. It is a critical resource for the fishing industry, providing habitat for many marine species, including fish, whales, and dolphins. The Atlantic Ocean is also an essential transport route for shipping and trade between North America, Europe, and Africa.
The Gowanus Canal: A Controversial Waterway
The Gowanus Canal is a highly polluted waterway that runs through the neighborhoods of Carroll Gardens and Park Slope in Brooklyn. The canal was once a vital transportation hub, but it became heavily contaminated with industrial waste and sewage. The cleanup of the Gowanus Canal is a highly controversial issue, with debates over who should pay for the cleanup and how to do so.
Newtown Creek: A Polluted Channel
Newtown Creek is a heavily polluted channel that runs between Brooklyn and Queens. It was once a vital industrial waterway, but it became contaminated with petroleum and other toxic chemicals. Efforts are underway to clean up Newtown Creek, but progress has been slow due to the complexity of the pollution and the high costs of remediation.
The Bronx River: A Revitalized Stream
The Bronx River is a small stream that flows through the Bronx and empties into the East River. It was once heavily polluted but has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. The Bronx River Alliance, a coalition of community groups, has led efforts to clean up the river, restore its natural ecosystem, and create public access to the waterfront.
The Raritan Bay: A Coastal Haven
The Raritan Bay is a large estuary that lies to the south of New York City, separating Staten Island from New Jersey. It is an important habitat for many marine species, including fish, birds, and shellfish. The Raritan Bay is also a popular destination for boaters and anglers and is home to several state parks, including the Cheesequake State Park and the Sandy Hook Unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area.
The Passaic River: A Toxic Legacy
The Passaic River is a major tributary of the Newark Bay and flows through northern New Jersey, past Paterson and Newark. It was once a vital waterway for industry, but it became heavily contaminated with toxic chemicals, including dioxin, PCBs, and heavy metals. The cleanup of the Passaic River is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing New Jersey, with estimates of the cost of remediation running into the billions of dollars.
