This policy brief highlights how recent scientific evidence, innovative methodologies and good practices from research, can be applied to strengthen management, conservation and restoration of estuarine and coastal waters. It underlines the pivotal role of researchers and practitioners in translating knowledge into actionable, place-based solutions. The priority now is to accelerate uptake of the lessons learned into policy and practice. To this end, this brief from the Scientific Committee of the 61st Conference of the Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association (ECSA) sets out six key messages to strengthen science-based decision-making for estuarine and coastal waters. 1. Elevate Estuarine and Coastal Zones Across Policy Frameworks and Implementation2. Advance Cumulative Impact Assessments at Land-Sea-Interfaces3. Scale Next-Generation Monitoring Tools for Coastal Ecosystems4. Invest strategically in Nature-Based and Nature-Positive Solutions for Coastal and Estuarine Waters5. Institutionalize Science-Policy-Community Co-Design in Coastal Governance6. Support Early Career Researchers and Ocean Professionals in their Careers and in Engagement These recommendations stem from many years of expertise and are underpinned by research findings from major and extensively-funded EU projects. They reinforce existing calls for action and provide a concrete new impetus. This policy brief reflects the perspectives of the contributing authors and is endorsed by the signatory delegates of ECSA 61.