Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) contribute up to ten percent of the eight million tonnes of plastic litter that ends up in our oceans every year, while other marine debris contribute a further ten percent. Noting the urgency to achieve significant reduction in marine pollution, including plastic pollution, FAO has continued to investigate the potential impacts of microplastics on human health through the ingestion of fish and fisheries products. The Joint FAO/WHO Codex Committee on food additives and contaminants is also in the process of identifying polymers for their human toxicity, while FAO is also pursuing studies on hazard assessment of potential toxicity of nanoplastics in seafood, working with partners UNEP, IMO, GESAMP and the London Convention. In February 2018, FAO countries agreed on a set of draft Voluntary Guidelines on the Marking of Fishing Gear, taking a big step forward towards cleaner seas and safer navigation, for endorsement by COFI 2018. ALDFG have serious detrimental impacts on fish and other marine organisms. The guidelines will allow authorities to monitor how fishing gear is used and who is using it, and are viewed as an effective tool towards achieving better fisheries management. FAO is currently preparing a concept for the development of a global umbrella programme of work to prevent, reduce and eliminate ALDFG.