Fly River - Delta

Delta

The estuary of the Fly River is 56 km wide at its entrance, but only 11 km wide abreast Kiwai Island, which may be considered as being the river mouth. Above this island the river gradually contracts to a width of 1.6 kilometers or less.

The river delta is studded with low and swampy islands covered with mangrove and nipa palm. There are villages and cultivated areas on these islands. The land on both sides of the estuary is of the same character. The islands in the estuary are flat and are covered with a thick, fertile alluvial soil. The largest islands are Kiwai Island, Purutu Island, Wabuda Island, Aibinio Island, Mibu Island, and Domori Island. Kiwai, Wabuda and Domori are inhabited.

A list of the river delta islands is:

The inhabitants of the Fly River delta engage in agriculture and hunting. Coconut palm, breadfruit, plantain, sago palm, and sugar cane are grown.