Charting the Course – Perspectives from Leaders in Marine Science

**For submission from Section Chief Editors ONLY**

This Research Topic amplifies the perspectives of the Chief Editors and leaders within Frontiers in Marine Science, bringing together a thought-provoking collection of perspecitive pieces that spotlight the urgent questions and major challenges shaping marine science for the decade ahead.

Each contribution offers a critical evaluation of both today’s landscape and the anticipated evolution of the field’s diverse sub-disciplines; contributions may address:

• Key Issues: What is the most pressing scientific question in your area of marine science, and why does it require immediate focus?

• Management and Policy Gaps: Are there current or emerging policy, management, or regulation gaps that could impede progress in addressing these issues? How might these be bridged for a more integrated and effective stewardship of marine systems?

• Forthcoming Challenges: What hurdles might the marine science community encounter over the next ten years, and how can we collectively prepare to overcome them?

• Pathways Forward: What novel strategies, interdisciplinary collaborations, technologies, or methodologies should be prioritized to address critical issues and prepare for future challenges?

This collection will feature concise opinion pieces (<3000 words, 1–2 figures) written by the Chief Editors of each specialty section, sparking a cross-cutting dialogue that positions the journal with a unifying and forward-thinking outlook for the coming decade.

Submission Information:

We invite opinion articles (<3000 words, 1–2 figures) from Specialty Chief Editors, addressing one or more of the specific questions outlined above. These contributions aim to serve as a collective roadmap that inspires and guides the marine science community through the next decade.