Exploits River
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The Exploits River is a river that flows through central Newfoundland, Canada. The river is Newfoundland's longest river at 322 km or 196 mi in length; it drains an area of 11,200 kmē. It empties into the Bay of Exploits near Botwood. The upper part of this river above Red Indian Lake is known as Lloyds River.
The river provides habitat for spawning Atlantic Salmon and other species of fish. The salmon population increased dramatically when fish ladders were installed, opening up sections of the river that had been previously inaccessible. The river valley is home to woodland caribou, moose and black bears. There are hydroelectric plants on the river at Grand Falls-Windsor and Bishop's Falls. Important industries in the area include forestry and mining.
The Beothuk people used to live on the banks of this river and had a winter encampment near Red Indian Lake. They spent the summer fishing in the Bay of Exploits area, using the river as their means of travel.
The town of Twillingate is built on two neighbouring islands in the mouth of the Exploits River. Its sheltered harbour and strategic position made it an important fishing port for more than 200 years until the fishing of northern cod was prohibited in 1992. It became known as the "Capital of the North".
A flood on the Exploits River in February 2003 forced the evacuation of the town of Badger.
Tributaries of this river include the: