|
 The Miami River Marine Group (MRMG)
is a private port cooperative of cargo carriers and marine related
industry dedicated to preserving the Miami River as a working
river.
In the past ten years, improvements in local and international
economies have been reflected by an increase in the activity
and vitality of the working river.
Goods shipped from the Miami River are sent to over 80 ports
of call in the Caribbean and Central and South America. Just
as Miami serves as the gateway to the Americas, the Miami River
serves as the shallow draft port for foreign flag vessels coming
from similar shallow ports in this part of the world (shallow
drafts are necessary for the Miami River which is only 15 feet
deep).
The labor force of the river terminals is privatized, multi-cultural,
and fluent in several languages. The independent nature of Miami
River terminals makes them strongly competitive in the region.
Most cargo generating from the river is containerized, although
approximately 20% is bulk and break bulk; the latter is especially
true of the smaller Haitian vessels that traffic in foods, furniture,
rice, and transportation equipment. Apparel bound for the Dominican
Republic is a major commodity shipped from the river.
 Located in the heart of the city,
the river offers special challenges for cargo carriers. The narrowness
of the river -- in some places only 150 feet wide -- is a constraint
to commerce in that it limits the size of the ships that can
navigate the river's narrow angles. River depth also limits the
load that a cargo ship can handle, and bridges and tidal cycles
limit the times when large ships can travel on the river.
Nevertheless, the working river is improving. Members of the
private port cooperative are conscientious about doing their
part to improve water quality, and Best Management Practices
at MRMG river terminals are routine. Marina Facility Operators
have become more adept at proactive environmental measures, and
a well-respected environmental firm, Cliff Berry Inc., stands
by as a Miami River Marine Group partner ready to handle environmental
emergencies.
Economic projections for cargo movement indicate that Miami
River shipping growth is expected to continue at a healthy rate,
with the potential of a free Cuba serving as a wildcard of unknown
dimension. Many river terminals are prepared now to accommodate
dramatic increases in shipping traffic if Castro should fall,
since the Miami River will be a major destination. In that eventuality,
as now, the Miami River Marine Group will be the marine industry's
responsible voice working to assure an orderly and respectful
use of the river.
The Miami River Marine Group is also protective of manatees
which seem to enjoy the river and are frequently spotted there.
In the winter time, manatees are especially likely to be seen
up river as they seek warm water refuges.
 Over the years, river terminal
and tugboat operators have developed an awareness of the presence
of these endangered marine mammals and have taken steps to help
them. Ships and tugs have personnel designated to observe for
manatees as they travel the river and during docking procedures.
Many vessels wear tug-sized bumper stickers created by the Miami
River Marine Group to remind boat operators to "Slow for
Manatees." If necessary, activity is curtailed or stopped
until manatees are safely clear. Many captains keep logs of sightings,
and all terminals have posted signs cautioning about the presence
of manatees. Individual members of the Miami River Marine Group
were collectively responsible for raising over $100,000 for the
establishment of a manatee rescue hospital (http://www.manateehospital.org).
|
