The 6th edition of Fórum do Mar, now known as Business2Sea, commences today in Porto. The central theme of Business2Sea 2016 is ‘Grow and Internationalise the Maritime Economy’ and the purpose of the event is to present results of the main maritime activity sectors in Portugal, with a focus on the northern region, as well as to facilitate networking, projects and business developments among the participants. The programme includes a celebration of National Maritime Day in the presence of the Portuguese Minister of the Sea, Ana Paula Vitorino. During this celebratory event, EMB Executive Secretary, Niall McDonough will provide an international perspective with a presentation addressing the main challenges that the ocean faces in the future; the main implications of these challenges in terms of technology and science, and; the main opportunities for economic development. Following Business2Sea, on 17 November, Niall McDonough features as a plenary speaker at the Campus do Mar International Science Conference 2016, where he will give a keynote address on ‘The ocean and human health: an emerging integrated meta-discipline’. The conference serves as a forum for presenting and discussing new research developments in marine science, technology and management. The theme of the conference is "Oceans: Future sustainability challenges", reflecting the growing understanding of the importance of ocean sustainability in crucial areas for human wellbeing, namely in the environmental, economic and social dimensions imperative for a better tomorrow.