BMC Marine Science is calling for submissions to our Collection on the vital roles of seagrass and other benthic marine plant communities, including marine macroalgae (seaweeds), in marine ecosystems. These habitats, ranging from seagrass meadows to macroalgal reefs and beds, are crucial for coastal protection and stabilization, primary productivity, and nutrient cycling, and they serve as essential nurseries and feeding grounds for a wide diversity of marine organisms. With the ongoing threats of climate change, habitat degradation, and pollution, there is an urgent need to deepen our understanding of marine flora and their functional roles across coastal and open marine systems.

This Collection aims to encompass a diverse array of studies that investigate the ecological roles and functions of seagrass and associated marine plant communities, including but not limited to:

• Interactions between seagrass, marine macroalgae (seaweeds), and the broader marine ecosystem
• Responses of seagrass and marine plant communities to environmental stressors
• Contributions of seagrass meadows and macroalgal ecosystems to carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience
• Socio-economic implications of seagrass and marine plant ecosystems, including their role in fisheries and tourism
• Innovative approaches to restoration and management of seagrass and marine macroalgal habitats

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 14: Life Below Water.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

BMC Marine Science is calling for submissions to our Collection on the role of marine genomics and environmental DNA (eDNA) in understanding marine biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. As marine ecosystems face unprecedented pressures from climate change, pollution, and overfishing, the need for innovative and non-invasive monitoring techniques has become critical. The integration of genomic tools and eDNA methodologies allows researchers to assess biodiversity, track species distribution, and understand community dynamics with unparalleled sensitivity and specificity. By harnessing the power of molecular biology, we can obtain crucial insights into the health and resilience of marine ecosystems, making it imperative to foster collaborative research that bridges genomics, ecology, and conservation science. This Collection aims to unite scholars and practitioners in marine science, driving forward the collective understanding of how genomics and eDNA can be utilized to address pressing environmental challenges.

The scope of this Collection encompasses a diverse range of topics, including but not limited to:

• The application of eDNA for species detection and monitoring
• The development of genomic tools for assessing genetic diversity and population structure
• The role of marine genomics in informing conservation strategies
• Innovative research exploring the impacts of environmental stressors on marine communities
• Methodological advancements that enhance the efficacy and reliability of eDNA applications

We invite contributions that not only highlight novel findings but also address these key areas of interest. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to enhance the scientific foundation for effective management and conservation of marine resources in an era of rapid environmental change.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 14: Life Below Water.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.