ILOILO CITY, Philippines – On the 17th year of celebrating Ocean Month this May, the focus is on the need to cure the oceans and the coastal areas of toxic elements.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which spearheads the celebration, said that the event also focuses on the importance of biodiversity in food security.
DENR-6 Director Jim Sampulna said protecting and conserving our marine and coastal resources equates to sustainable aquatic food production.
“Western Visayas has a lot of coastal resources needing protection and we need to act together to protect them,” Sampulna said.
Sampulna added that the DENR-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau will initiate a dual activity with mangrove planting and coral transplanting in Anilao, Iloilo.
DENR said mangroves are considered as natural barriers to tsunamis, storm surges and tidal waves.
“They also serve as spawning grounds for fishes and crustaceans,” Sampulna said.
A DENR-6 press release said that as part of the total mangrove ecosystem, the corals and the seagrasses have important roles in maintaining a balance in the ecosystem.
“The coral transplantation activity will help regain a healthy coral population,” Sampulna said.
The Philippines has at least 16 species of seagrass in an estimated 978 sq.kms. of seagrass beads, which serve as food for dugongs, manatees, sea turtles, hundreds of fish species and several species of waterfowls.
Ocean Month celeb bats for “detoxifying” oceans
