Huge sea bass caught in Iloilo River boosts conservation efforts

The giant bulgan is a reminder that protecting natural ecosystems can produce tangible results.

A massive Asian sea bass, locally known as bulgan, has been caught in the Iloilo River, giving city officials fresh reason to celebrate what they describe as the steady revival of one of the country’s most successful urban waterways.

The Iloilo City Government on Thursday shared photos of local anglers posing with the enormous fish, estimated to weigh around 10 kilograms, after it was caught near the Iloilo Esplanade 3 Skatepark.

According to the city government, the catch is more than just an impressive fishing story—it is a visible sign that the Iloilo River is once again teeming with aquatic life after years of sustained conservation and rehabilitation efforts.

Officials said the return of large fish reflects the positive impact of responsible environmental management and biodiversity protection programs implemented along the river.

Among these initiatives is the annual Closed Fishing Season, which temporarily prohibits the catching of bulgan during its spawning and breeding period. The measure is intended to allow fish populations to reproduce naturally and recover, leading to healthier fish stocks over time.

“Healthy rivers mean healthier fish stocks, stronger biodiversity, and more sustainable livelihoods for fisherfolk,” the city government said, citing information from the Office of the City Agriculturist and the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources Officer.

The Iloilo River was once heavily polluted by decades of unchecked urbanization, industrial waste, and informal settlements. Over the years, however, an extensive rehabilitation campaign involving government agencies, environmental groups, and local communities has transformed it into one of the country’s most recognized examples of urban river restoration.

The sight of a mature sea bass thriving in the river has also drawn positive reactions online, with many Filipinos praising Iloilo City’s environmental programs and expressing hope that similar conservation efforts could restore rivers elsewhere in the country.

For conservation advocates, the giant bulgan serves as a reminder that protecting natural ecosystems can produce tangible results—not only for wildlife, but also for communities that depend on healthy rivers for food, livelihood, and recreation.

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