The recent reef study looked at, among other factors, the average biomass of the area. As a statistic, average biomass shows how much fish can be expected to find in a given area. Biomass is presented as the expected total weight of fish over a given area.

Based on the study, the average biomass of the reef fishes off the coast of Pilar was listed as moderate. There was an increase, however, of almost double the average biomass reported during the last reef study conducted in 2017.

There had also been an increase in the number of target species of fish present in the reefs. A target species is one that has been particularly selected for long term study, and is used to gain a detailed picture of how an ecosystem is faring.

Target species are also of economic importance. As the target catch of many fishers for human consumption, their abundance is good for local livelihoods.

The study revealed that more than a quarter of the reef fish off the coast of Pilar were fusiliers and snappers. This was a marked increase compared to the 2017 study.

While reef fish populations have recovered, however, much of the physical structure of the reef remains in poor condition. Hard coral constituted less than 2% of the reef, while most of the surface area was covered by soft corals and macroalgae. This is also because of siltation coming from the river that hinders reef-building hard corals to grow.

The study recommended coral transplanting and establishment of artificial reefs in damaged areas, to help the reef structure recover. Likewise, the ridge to reef approach was emphasized to remind the LGU that in making management plans, our highlands should also be given equal importance to address siltation coming from the river.