ILOILO City – To allow sea bass, locally known as bulgan, to spawn undisturbed in the Iloilo River, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 6 has recommended to the city government the implementation of a closed season.
This recommendation, led by BFAR-6 director Remia Aparri, follows a recent assessment and profiling of the Iloilo River, focusing on the reproductive biology of sea bass.
The study indicated specific times during which a closed season would benefit the species, as sea bass are catadromous — they migrate to the sea to spawn and return to the river to grow.
“There are certain times when we need to implement a closed season because of the species’ catadromous nature. They go to the sea to spawn and then return to the river to grow. So, at that stage, they should not be caught. We presented this data to the city government, and I believe they are supportive of the closed season,” Aparri told Panay News.
The Iloilo River, which hosts various valuable species such as crabs and tilapia, has a particularly abundant sea bass population.
“We aim to sustain this population for the future by preserving the river’s ecosystem,” Aparri said.
BFAR has identified specific areas within the river for the proposed closed season but noted that the final decision rests with the city government.
Initial feedback from the local government suggests they are open to implementing a river-wide closed season during specific months.
BFAR’s recommendation is for a closed season from December to March, though the city government must pass an ordinance to enforce it.
Public consultations with stakeholders will also be required to present BFAR’s findings and gain community support.
During this proposed period, Aparri urged that fishing activities targeting sea bass be halted to support the species’ spawning process and natural migration to the sea.
City Agriculturist Iñigo Garingalao expressed agreement with BFAR’s recommendation, saying they are studying a temporary fishing ban, including hook-and-line fishing, from December to March.
The proposed ordinance, sponsored by Councilor Ely Estante, has passed its first reading. It suggests a closed season from December to March, covering the Iloilo River from Drilon Bridge to Diversion Bridge. Estante is also considering extending the restriction to other fish species within the designated area, as implementing a single-species ban could prove challenging./PN
