Drawing on consumer survey data and long-term statistics (1962–2020), we examine recent trends in South Korea’s seafood consumption and consider policy options to revitalize demand in a mature market. Our study identifies a clear gap between stated seafood preferences and actual consumption behavior, particularly among Millennials and Generation Z (the MZ generation). Ordered-probit estimates from a nationally stratified survey of 1,000 adults show that, although Generation MZ expresses relatively positive preferences for seafood, they consume it less frequently relative to meat than do Baby Boomers and Generation X. This gap is linked primarily to perceived inconvenience and price, whereas older cohorts place greater emphasis on health benefits and value of seafood. Revitalizing seafood consumption therefore requires policies that lower consumer-side barriers related to price and convenience. Priorities may be put on developing easy-to-prepare seafood products, fostering innovation in processing and distribution, and strengthening efficient e-commerce platforms to engage younger consumers. These demand-side innovations depend on stable, standardized supply systems that can be institutionally supported through sustainability certification such as Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). Aligning generation-targeted demand strategies with sustainable coastal production systems may therefore contribute to long-term demand recovery in the seafood sector.

The coastal environment is a dynamic high-energy system characterized by waves, wind, climate variability, and geomorphological conditions. This system plays a key role in tourism, economic activities, and local socio-political development. However, many coastal zones are increasingly affected by erosion driven by both natural processes and human interventions, with climate change intensifying shoreline retreat and the vulnerability of communities and coastal ecosystems. This study examines the incidence and vulnerability associated with erosion along the coastal profile of San Lorenzo, Santa Elena, Ecuador. The assessment integrates beach profile measurements, satellite imagery, and shoreline change analysis to support sustainable coastal management and mitigation strategies. The methodology consisted of: (1) compiling information on erosive processes, (2) analysis of population’s perceptions in the sector, (3) establishing beach profiles, (4) evaluating shoreline retreat using satellite images and statistical methods, and (5) formulating coastal management strategies and adaptation measures. Results indicate progressive shoreline retreat at San Lorenzo beach during 2004–2024, with an average retreat rate of 1.6–2 cm/year, reflecting a sustained erosive trend along the coastal profile. Coastal vulnerability levels range from moderate to high across most of the beach, particularly in the estuary transect, where wave exposure, sediment loss, and coastal occupation converge. Based on statistical modeling, the study projects continued shoreline retreat by 2030, with an estimated 81% probability of erosion under the analyzed hydrometeorological conditions. The integrated methodological approach demonstrates the value of combining geospatial analysis, statistical modeling, and social information to identify priority areas and support evidence-based coastal management. The implementation of coordinated management strategies, continuous monitoring, and stakeholder participation is therefore essential to enhance coastal resilience and ensure the long-term sustainability of tourism-dependent coastal systems.

The evolution of port operations into fifth-generation systems highlights a commitment to sustainability, digitalization, and community integration. However, challenges remain in balancing economic efficiency and environmental and social impacts. In-depth case studies of eight significant international ports are combined with bibliometric analysis to investigate the transformative model of Fifth-Generation Ports (5GPs). The study identifies three interrelated pillars-digitalization, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic integration-that build upon the development of port systems. The 5GPs framework is empirically supported by a bibliometric analysis of 410 Web of Science articles published between 2014 and 2025, which identifies intellectual clusters focused on smart port systems, energy transition, and governance. Uneven progress across the pillars is demonstrated by case studies of Shanghai, Singapore, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Los Angeles, Hamburg, Busan, and Long Beach. With automation and smart systems enhancing productivity and global competitiveness, digitalization emerges as the most advanced dimension. As demonstrated by Rotterdam’s emission reductions compared to those of Hamburg and Los Angeles, which have faced persistent challenges, environmental sustainability exhibits quantifiable but uneven gains. The gap between port expansion and regional employment or demographic trends demonstrates that socioeconomic integration remains a frequently overlooked issue. These results demonstrate that simply evaluating efficiency metrics is insufficient to measure the competitiveness of port modernization; a balance must be struck between ecological responsibility and community well-being. The 5GP framework provides policymakers and port authorities with a well-organized roadmap. While highlighting the risks and best practices involved, this study acknowledges limitations in scope and highlights the need for further regional and longitudinal research. Ultimately, the transition to the 5GP signals a significant shift in maritime governance, with ports becoming hubs for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban development.

Supported by political and economic incentives, Chinese fishing fleet expansion into African waters has aroused worldwide concerns about local food security and social well-being. Since 2017 the country has initiated the 13th National 5-Year Plan to support distant-water fishing by exporting fishing capacity together with port infrastructure investment, among others, to African coastal States. In light of China’s stated intent to transition to an inclusive, transparent, and sustainable approach to reboot the Belt and Road initiative, this study explores, if any, noticeable changes have occurred in how the government, fishing firms and infrastructure builders engage with partner African States. It is held that the fishing grounds within the exclusive economic zones of African nations should be protected as exhaustible natural resources of humankind, and hence safeguarded by collaborative coastal and flag State jurisdictions. It is considered that China’s recognition and execution of flag and investor State responsibilities to ensure fisheries legality and sustainability in host African States still face many challenges, as well as the potential for success.

This paper presents recommendations for developing a legal framework for sharing benefits derived from mineral resources in the international seabed area. Establishing a legal regime that encompasses benefit sharing is of paramount importance for promoting the principle of a common heritage of mankind, for narrowing the technological gap that exists between developing and developed countries in the field of deep-sea mining, for safeguarding the rights and interests of developing countries, and for advancing global development. However, the international seabed management system is confronted with considerable challenges, including uncertainty regarding its contribution and redistribution mechanisms, the criteria for equitable distribution, and the initial distribution mechanism. These challenges have the potential to undermine the principle of a common heritage of mankind. To address these issues, it is imperative that the International Seabed Authority establish a robust legal regime for benefit-sharing without delay. To this end, a comprehensive approach is required, encompassing theoretical, institutional, and practical considerations, with the aim of enhancing the legal system governing the international seabed area. From a theoretical standpoint, the primary challenge lies in striking a balance between private and public interests in the initial distribution of benefits and addressing any subsequent distributional imbalances. Furthermore, it is imperative to prioritize environmental protection and sustainable resource management in the international seabed area. At the practical level, criteria for equitable sharing should be established, the order of distribution of benefits should be clarified, and a common heritage fund should be established. At the institutional level, it is necessary to establish a system of information transparency, implement the principle of intergenerational equity, and establish a standardized mechanism for stakeholder consultation.

A closed season policy has emerged as an ocean governance strategy aimed at protecting and conserving fish stocks across countries and coastal areas. Its implementation has produced traces of vulnerabilities, and forms of livelihood adaptations and alternative livelihood opportunities. However, little is known about how these occur among gender groups. This paper therefore focuses on the gender dimensions of vulnerabilities, adaptations and alternative livelihoods during the closed season in Elmina, Ghana, within the feminist political ecology framework. It employed Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) from purposively selected fishermen and fish processors. The study found significant differences in the vulnerability patterns among the gender groups, albeit some similarities. We further observed more fluid roles among the women than the men because the women were ready to undertake alternative livelihood options that were traditionally male-based during the closed season. Based on these results, we contend that political decisions toward environmental sustainability may create vulnerability and fluid adaptation patterns which may vary among gender groups in the light of their differential patterns of access, control and positionalities within the fishing industry.

UK recreational boating infrastructure in UK ports and harbors consistently coincides with Marine Protected Area designation. Under UK Marine Protected Area designations, vulnerable seabed habitats such as seagrass beds require protection and/or restoration. Mooring and anchoring activity has coincided with increasing concerns over the conservation status of the climate-buffering properties of seagrass beds in the literature and from empirical studies. Up until this study, there has yet to be a significant UK based trial of a number of modified moorings to see their impact on the reduction in pressure on vulnerable benthic habitats. In May 2019, we installed and tested five Advanced Mooring Systems (AMS) in Cawsand Bay, Plymouth Sound, UK. A further 10 such devices were installed in 2021 after the COVID 19 pandemic. The original five devices tested were ‘Stirling’ systems, whereby the rode is raised above the seabed by use of several submerged floats set at 1.5–2 m intervals along the chain, leading to a top mark that secures the vessel. Each AMS were attached to the seabed using helical screwpiles by commercial divers using a waterproof hydraulic wrench. The devices have held securely since May 2019, and monitoring of seagrass around these five moorings has occurred regularly (at approximately 6 monthly intervals) between May 2019 and May 2023. No seeding or transplantation to prime seagrass recovery has taken place around the base of the moorings during this period. Nevertheless, during the sixth dive survey in May 2023, 4 years after installation, a 212% increase in seagrass density was recorded within the zone previously abraded by the moorings and riser chains. Blade length of the longest seagrass shoots has also increased over the test period. Semi-structured interviews were held with participants in the trial from boat users, NGOs and government agencies to ascertain attitudes and responses to seagrass conservation and the use of AMS. Interaction with stakeholders are important to securing positive community buy-in to such interventions. We recommend that for small sailing craft and powerboats these systems provide a fit-for-purpose engineering and ecological solution to support the restoration of seagrass beds, but that such initiatives must be accompanied by significant understanding and interaction with local stakeholders.

Macroalgae are being intensively explored as a nature-based solution to address climate change. Although there are still some uncertainties about recognizing macroalgae in climate mitigation, the research trend on macroalgae carbon potential continues to increase. We collected secondary data, literature reviews, and expert opinions through focus group discussions to estimate the carbon sequestration potential of macroalgae and examine its feasibility in Indonesian climate mitigation. Our analysis shows that the carbon sequestration potential of macroalgae in Indonesia is significant, estimated to range from 351.246-2.526.332 Mg C yr−1, placing macroalgae as the third largest marine carbon store after mangroves and seagrass. In addition, macroalgae have higher CO2 sequestration rates than other blue carbon habitats. Our assessment of the viability of macroalgae in the blue carbon shows that macroalgae meet the critical elements of blue carbon criteria, including carbon sequestration scale, long-term storage, anthropogenic impact, and social or environmental interventions. However, aligning it with other climate mitigation policies is essential for macroalgae to be fully recognized in blue carbon. This preliminary study suggests that macroalgae could be necessary for Indonesia’s climate mitigation action.

Oceanography stands at a critical juncture, confronting the coupled challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss while also addressing calls for equity and justice in ocean economic development and governance. This paper defines and advocates for the weaving of three perspectives into oceanography education, research, and policy practice: the Socio-Ecological Lens, the Humanist Approach, and Equitable Intercultural Practice. By embracing these frameworks, the field can transcend the challenges of classical oceanography, paving the way for academic and professional practices that are more inclusive, equitable, and attuned to the intricacies of human-ocean relationships. Such a shift will foster interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration, elevate the role of humanities in oceanographic education, and push for decolonizing methodologies for ocean policy engagement, thereby enabling ethical career paths. Ultimately, these perspectives will empower oceanographers to cultivate a deeper and more equitable bond with the oceans, helping them to steer society with the transformative science practices that are fundamentally needed in a successful United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.