The 17th year of the Ocean Month celebration in May 2016 focuses 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 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.

Subong, E.S. (2016, May 17). Ocean Month celeb bats for 'detoxifying' waters. The Daily Guardian, p. B6.