The Philippine Association of Marine Science (PAMS) will be holding their 15th national symposium on marine science at Aklan State University in Banga, Aklan from July 4 to 6.

The program seeks to highlight the relationship between human beings and the sea.

As the organization notes on social media, “Healthy seas provide us benefits such as livelihood resources, food, genetic, cultural and aesthetic values.”

According to a message from PAMS President Yasmin H. Primavera-Tirol, the organization also aims to provide a venue for workers in marine science and allied areas of specialization to link and network among local and international institutions.

Last month, a “One Time, Big Time” coastal clean-up in Iloilo City’s Molo and Arevalo districts collected 18 tons of garbage.

“The coastal clean-up raised awareness among residents, especially those who are living along the shorelines, on the importance of having a clean sea,” said Iloilo City Environment Management Specialist Renan Escoto. “Their main source of livelihood is also from the sea [and], if the sea is dirty, fishing and tourism industries will be affected.”/WDJ