Rising sea levels pose a critical challenge in the context of climate change, threatening coastal ecosystems and human communities. Driven by factors such as melting polar ice sheets and the thermal expansion of seawater, coastal areas are especially vulnerable to erosion, inundation, and saltwater intrusion. Understanding the mechanisms of sea level rise is essential for creating effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. Research in this area has provided valuable insights into the rates and future scenarios of sea level rise, informing coastal management and policy decisions while highlighting the need for interdisciplinary approaches encompassing ecological, social, and economic perspectives.

Successful local adaptation strategies, such as managed retreat and wetland restoration, showcase resilient responses to these challenges. Future research should refine predictive models by integrating localized data and enhancing our understanding of socio-ecological interactions crucial for the resilience of coastal communities. As measures evolve, sustainable engineering practices and community-led initiatives will be essential in addressing this global phenomenon.

Topics for submission include but are not limited to:

• Impacts of sea level rise on coastal ecosystems
• Adaptive strategies for coastal communities
• Technological advances in monitoring sea level
• Policy frameworks for managing coastal flooding
• Restoration of coastal habitats as a mitigation strategy
• Economic implications of sea level rise and adaptation measures

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 Marine microbial ecology. The intricate relationships within marine microbial ecosystems form the foundation of oceanic health and productivity, influencing everything from nutrient cycling to climate regulation. As climate change, pollution, and overfishing impose unprecedented pressures on marine environments, understanding the role of marine microorganisms becomes increasingly critical. This Collection aims to consolidate current research on marine microbes, including phytoplankton and zooplankton, and their responses to environmental changes.

We invite contributions that delve into various aspects of marine microbial ecology, including but not limited to:

• The diversity and distribution of marine microorganisms in different habitats, from the open ocean to coastal environments
• The roles of marine phytoplankton as primary producers and their interactions with marine zooplankton
• Microbial responses to anthropogenic pressures, including climate change and pollution
• Innovative methodologies for studying microbial processes and their implications for ecosystem health and sustainability

By exploring the dynamics of these diverse communities, we hope to illuminate their contributions to ecosystem resilience and functionality, fostering a deeper understanding of marine life at the microscopic level.

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.