Parties to the treaties which regulate the dumping of wastes at sea are meeting at IMO Headquarters this week (12-16 October). The meeting is expected to agree updated guidelines for the application of the de minimis (exempt) concept when it comes to radioactive wastes, to include recognition of effects of radiation on marine fauna and flora. The meeting (click for photos) will also review ongoing work in relation to the disposal of mine tailings, marine geoengineering, development of a strategic plan to encourage ratification of the London Protocol and the 25-year scientific review of all radioactive wastes and other radioactive matter. The Thirty-seventh Consultative Meeting of Contracting Parties to the London Convention and the tenth Meeting of Contracting Parties to the London Protocol were opened by IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu. The meeting is being chaired by Captain Ibraheem Olugbade (Nigeria).