Did you know that by 2050 there could be more plastics in the ocean than fish, if human habits don’t change? The India Clean Seas Conference taking place in Goa, India (22-24 September), aims to discuss what needs to be done to keep the oceans clean. IMO’s Director of Marine Environment, Stefan Micallef delivered the opening address, highlighting daunting environmental challenges facing the oceans and how to develop sustainable solutions. Mr Micallef pointed out how IMO’s marine pollution convention MARPOL has played a key role as a comprehensive, international treaty covering the prevention of both marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. To address the massive accumulation of plastics in the ocean, IMO has pioneered the prohibition of plastics disposal anywhere at sea, which took effect more than 25 years ago. The conference is hosting more than 40 distinguished panellists and speakers including scientists, solution providers and government representatives, working collectively to address the need to develop action plans to protect the world's oceans.