This Research Topic emerges from the University of Malta Maritime Platform International Conference, focusing on the critical role of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research in addressing complex local to global marine and maritime challenges. Such collaboration enables diverse fields to converge while fostering innovation, knowledge exchange and impactful solutions. Sustainability in the maritime industry means seeking to cater for the protection of the environment, the wellbeing of society, while concurrently thriving economically. Several approaches can contribute to the protection of the environment in the maritime industry, for example using technologies to build energy efficient ships, to use alternative fuels or to optimise operations. Additionally, advancing biological knowledge of marine biodiversity and ecosystems aids in the conservation of natural resources in line with local to regional targets. Climate change and regional to global crises place additional challenges that need efficient and effective solutions. Governance needs to affect nature and society positively.

The goal of this Research Topic is to showcase diverse approaches that strengthen integration of innovative solutions and applications, generate new knowledge and maximize the societal impact of research and its applications in marine and maritime sustainability. Despite growing recognition of the importance of integrating diverse research fields, challenges remain. Several of these challenges are linked to maritime industry sustainability and governance which include climate change, pollution and poor adherence to international and regional policies and directives, illegalities, migration, poor quality of life and wellbeing, slow operations, old technologies, overexploitation and waste. Technology and innovation play a major role in improving the maritime industry and steering it towards more sustainable operations, particularly regarding logistics and the environment. Regulations’ implementation and strategy are also important to consider when dealing with topics such as emissions, illegalities and operations. Funding opportunities, awareness and education are key to a thriving sustainable maritime industry. This Research Topic therefore seeks to highlight recent empirical studies, theoretical frameworks and practical insights in marine and maritime developments. The goal being the integration of innovative technologies that promote sustainable practices, environmental protection and strengthen the contribution of research to address current and future challenges, in consideration of the Mediterranean Sea and beyond.

This Research Topic invites contributions that explore recent advances in the fields of marine and maritime innovations, research, governance for sustainability, also demonstrating how multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary settings can bridge academic disciplines, connect research to societal wellbeing, nature conservation needs and influence policy and practice to resolve challenges in marine and maritime sustainability.

• Technological advancements or innovations to protect the marine environment and improve the sustainability of maritime operations.
• Solutions through effective research and strategies for anthropogenic impacts including climate change, forms of environmental pollution, biodiversity loss and ecosystems’ degradation, invading alien species and impacts of technologies applied to the exploration and exploitation of resources, maritime traffic.
• The role of effective governance in the marine conservation and maritime industry.
• Protecting the wellbeing of society within the maritime community through effective policies and strategies in relation to international and regional decisions.

Type of Manuscripts: Original Research articles, as well as conceptual and reflective Opinion or Perspective/s articles.

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Innovations and Research Applications for Marine Conservation and Maritime Sustainability