By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan
A member of Iloilo City’s Sangguniang Panglungsod is proposing a regulation to limit fishing in select areas of the city’s waters to protect species threatened by declining stocks.
The proposed ordinance, filed on October 7 and introduced during the city council’s October 9 session, would establish a closed fishing season within the Iloilo River, from the Cesar M. Drilon Sr. Bridge to the Diversion Bridge, from December 1 to March 31.
The designated months are based on a comprehensive one-year study of the reproductive patterns of sea bass (Lates calcarifer) conducted by the city government and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The study, cited in the ordinance, indicated that the period from December to March is crucial for the reproduction and growth of sea bass and other aquatic species in the Iloilo River.
During this time, all fishing activities may be prohibited, except for research conducted by BFAR or designated research institutions.
Proposed sanctions include fines of P1,000 (first offense), P2,000 (second offense), and P3,000 (third offense). Additional penalties include community service (first offense), suspension of fishing permits or licenses (second offense), and confiscation of gear or impoundment of boats (third offense).
Councilor Ely Estante, the proponent of the ordinance, told Aksyon Radyo Iloilo on Wednesday, October 23, that the ordinance is aimed at ensuring food security, citing the City Government-BFAR study.
“In that area, the BFAR study indicated that the sea bass’ spawning period is from December to March, when the [female] releases eggs through the mouth, fertilized by the male species,” Estante explained.
“We need to regulate fishing activities to ensure that future generations can also benefit from that area. We are protecting the egg-laying fish so they can multiply and mature,” he added.
The ordinance would only cover the specified area between the Drilon and Diversion bridges.
“Outside that area, there would be no problems,” Estante clarified.
Initially, the ordinance focused solely on sea bass, but discussions with the City Agriculturist’s Office revealed that limiting the ban to sea bass might be impractical.
“In our talks with City Agriculturist Iñigo Garingalao, we learned that it would be difficult to focus only on sea bass because many species live in that area,” he said.
“If it’s limited to sea bass, we would need fish wardens to check whether the fish caught is sea bass,” Estante added.
He also noted that the BFAR and other experts may suggest additional provisions during upcoming committee hearings.
