Emerging Topics in Coastal and Transitional Ecosystems: Science, Literacy, and Innovation

Marine coastal and transitional ecosystems are facing increasing impacts, and often reflect the most immediate effects of environmental change, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. Transitional waters, where rivers meet the sea, are connecting ecosystems, via biological, physical and chemical interactions. They encompass the multitude of stressors derived from local and upstream anthropogenic activities. The challenges coastal and transitional ecosystems face are not new and have far-reaching implications in the Ocean. Nevertheless, new solutions and approaches (e.g. blue biotechnological innovations, literacy-based approaches and marine governance assisted solutions) to this old problem are still needed. The sustainability of coastal and transitional environments cannot be attained without an ecosystem-based approach, including all ecosystem components, where resource use and its managers are key actors within comprehensive methodology, contributing to better-informed decision-making and management of these ecosystems.

This Research Topic publishes all types of manuscripts covered by Frontiers in Marine Science to showcase the latest and most important research and advancements in emerging topics within marine coastal and transitional ecosystem research. The aim is to provide a comprehensive collection of scientific outputs showcasing state of the art scientific research, new tools, and approaches, as well as innovative insights of the present and future issues facing marine coastal and transitional ecosystems. Moreover, this article collection aims to produce a holistic or ecosystem-based approach towards improved decision-making and management of these ecosystems. This includes recognizing the importance of the interconnections of land, air and sea that characterize these transitional ecosystems, accounting for connectivity among species and habitats of adjoining areas, and integrating ecological, education, societal and economic perspectives.

Aiming to cover a wide range of scientific areas within the topic of marine coastal and transitional waters, the present Research Topic intents to tackle emerging issues, developments and perspectives on, (but not restricted to): Biodiversity and Invasive Species, Marine Protected Areas, Marine Ecotoxicology, Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture, Coastal Ocean Observation, Climate Change and Mitigation Strategies, Habitat Restoration, Omics, Blue Innovation, Blue Literacy and Governance. All types of manuscripts covered by Frontiers in Marine Science are welcome.