1. Integrated Coastal Management

The discussions at ICMMBT would aim to foster a deeper understanding of how Integrated Coastal Management can be effectively implemented and improved, share knowledge and experiences, and identify future directions for research and practice in this field. The sub-themes (topics) of ICM that will be discussed at this conference are as follows:

• Marine biodiversity conservation and governance
• Sustainable fisheries management and Ecosystem Approach for Fisheries Management
• Coastal risk reduction and climate change impact and adaptation management
• Community livelihood and capacity building
• Ecosystem services and valuation
• Marine spatial planning, pollution reduction, and waste management
• Small Island governance
• Small Island socio-culture
• Small Island networks and digital ecosystems

2. Blue Food Nexus

This focus area highlights the critical dimensions of blue food, emphasizing the need for resource security and resilient systems that sustain community livelihoods, enhance nutrition and public health, and provide environmental protection. Achieving these goals requires innovative investment strategies and robust policy support to ensure the sustainability and scalability of blue food systems.

• Blue food resources security
• Blue food system
• Community and stakeholder livelihood
• Nutrition and public health
• Environmental support for blue food system
• Investment strategy for blue food innovation
• Policy support for blue food sustainability

3. Marine Biotechnology

Concerning marine biotechnology, this conference will discuss the latest developments in marine biotechnology, which include the following sub-themes (topics):

• Marine bioprospecting (nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, bioenergy)
• Marine biomaterials
• Marine nanotechnology
• Coastal and marine natural products
• Marine environmental biotechnology and bioremediation

4. Blue Economy and Blue Carbon

The Blue Economy can promote practices that support the health and expansion of Blue Carbon ecosystems, enhancing their carbon sequestration potential. Integrating Blue Carbon considerations into Blue Economy policies can drive more holistic and effective marine and coastal management, which include the following sub-themes (topics):

• Blue Economy and Climate Resilience
• Innovative Financing Models for Blue Economy Projects
• Logistic and Connectivity Support for Blue Economy
• Blue Carbon Ecosystems: Mangroves, Seagrasses, and Salt Marshes
• Community-Based Approaches to Blue Carbon Conservation
• Blue Carbon Markets and Policy Frameworks
• Assessing the Economic Impact of Blue Carbon Conservation

5. Aquatic Biodiversity and Bio-invasion Management

Aquatic Biodiversity and bioinvasions refer to the introduction and establishment of non-native species in marine and coastal environments. These invasions can disrupt local ecosystems, outcompete native species, and alter habitat structures. The sub-themes (topics) for this discussion include:

• Mechanisms of Invasion
• Impact Assessment on Bioinvasions
• Management and Mitigation Strategies on Aquatic Bioinvasions
• Biology and Ecology of Aquatic Invasive Species
• Early Detection and Monitoring Technologies
• Economic and Social Impacts
• Biodiversity and Native Species