Moruka

Moruka is a river in Guyana, located in the northwest part of the country. Also referred to as the Moruka River, it forms part of the coastal watershed and drains toward the Caribbean Sea. The river originates in inland high-rainfall areas and generally flows northward, widening and slowing in its lower reaches to form a tidal estuary where mangrove forests and tidal wetlands are common.

Ecology and environment: The Moruka basin supports a variety of wildlife and aquatic life. The estuary provides habitat for fish, birds, and other coastal species, while the surrounding lowland rainforest and mangrove ecosystems contribute to regional biodiversity and serve as natural buffers against coastal erosion.

Communities and economy: Several settlements lie along the river’s banks, with livelihoods centered on fishing, small-scale agriculture, and river-based transportation. The Moruka also facilitates local trade by enabling boat access to nearby communities and markets.

History and culture: The Moruka area has a long history of Indigenous habitation and later involvement in regional transport and trade networks during colonial times. Today, the river area is recognized for its rural heritage and cultural diversity within Guyana’s coastal region.

See also: Geography of Guyana; Rivers of Guyana.