Closed season proposed in Iloilo River

ILOILO CITY - The city government, through the agriculturist office, is proposing the implementation of the closed fishing season in the Iloilo River for fish stock enhancement and biodiversity conservation. City agriculturist Iñigo Garingalao, in an interview on Thursday, said the proposal was based on a study conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on the period when fish, particularly sea bass or bulgan, start to spawn. 'We allow sports fishing, using the rod and reel, but we want to give fishes a chance to multiply so the next generation can enjoy what we are enjoying right now,' he said. The off-fishing proposal is between December and March, when fishing methods, such as the hook and line and the rod and reel, will be prohibited from the Atty. Cesar Drilon Bridge up to the Diversion Bridge. "This is part of our mayor's call to enhance the river, keep it clean, add fingerlings, and take care of the mangroves. The goal is to maintain the biodiversity of this body of water be cause fish, plants, water, and, of course, people all have roles to play," Garingalao added. The proposed fishing ban hurdled the first reading during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council) on Oct. 9. Garingalao said they could not immediately implement the proposal as they need to consider the livelihood of those dependent on the river. 'Once approved, there will be education and orientation campaigns, along with adjustments for the stakeholders. For enforcement, the maritime police, coast guard, and especially the barangays situated along the river, will be involved," he said. The BFAR study was conducted from October 2022 to August 2023, showing fish are heavy with fully-developed eggs from December to March. Among the identified species in the estuary are the bulgan, salonsong, lison, managat, bulan-bulan, kikiro, awa, and alimosan. Source: Philippines News agency