This flow brings in nutrients from the sea, which makes the Iloilo River a nursery for fish species such as bangus and tilapia.

[1] Iloilo River wharf, including Muelle Loney Street in the Iloilo City Proper, is a natural harbor which made it a preferred port of call for ships seeking protection from strong winds and tropical monsoons.

It serves as port for inter island ferries that travel from Iloilo City to Bacolod on Negros and to Guimaras.

It is also a drop-off point for fishing vessels that bring in their catch from the sea to be delivered to markets all over Iloilo.

The Port of Iloilo was opened for international trade on 1855 and the coming of British Vice-consul Nicholas Loney, a year later, that led to the fast development of sugar industry in the region.