ILOILO City – The City Council is deliberating on an ordinance to enforce a closed fishing season in the Iloilo River from December 1 to March 31 each year.
This plan aims to conserve fish stocks during their spawning period and protect fingerlings while they grow.
During the closed season, fishing would be prohibited along the stretch of the Cesar Drilon Bridge to the Diversion Bridge.
The ban applies to all fish species within the specified area to avoid confusion.
The ordinance seeks to curb illegal fishing practices, such as the use of unauthorized nets, and to ensure the conservation of key fish populations.
A study conducted from September 2022 to August 2023 identified critical species such as sea bass, mangagat, and bulgan, which are vital to the river’s ecosystem.
Most gravid (pregnant) specimens were found between the Parola and Drilon Bridge.
Study showed that pregnant bulgan were predominantly found near the La Paz Bridge to Gaisano.
The study supports the closed season’s effectiveness, particularly from December to March, when reproductive activity peaks.
The ordinance proposes strict penalties for violators. For the first offense, violators will be required to render community service.
For the second offense, violators will be fined P2,000 and confiscation of the fishing permit.
Violators caught for the third time will be fined P5,000 fine, confiscation of the fishing boat, and documentation of the violation in police records.
The City Agriculture Office and City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) will enforce the ordinance.
Councilor Frances Grace Parcon-Torres, chairperson of the committee on agriculture, fisheries, aquatic, and natural resources, emphasized the need for clear markers and signage to define closed fishing zones.
She said that public awareness and information campaigns must be enhanced to educate residents, similar to efforts in municipalities around the Visayan Sea.
The ordinance also underscored the city’s commitment to sustainable fishery practices and preserving aquatic resources.
It is now set to be reviewed in the second and third readings by the City Council./PN
